EC to provide special facilities for disabled at polling stations

PUTRAJAYA: The Election Commission (EC) will provide several facilities for people with disabilities to allow them to vote in a comfortable environment in the upcoming general election.

EC chairman Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah said the commission had taken into account the needs of disabled voters in the 14th General Election (GE14) as suggested by Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia (Damai), which had called on the EC to provide disabled people-friendly environment during the polling.

“We have taken into account the needs of the disabled persons to exercise their voting right comfortably and confidently, as well as to ensure their confidentiality.

“They include allowing the family members or the person they trust to accompany them during the voting session, providing electoral staff to help the disabled to vote, offering wheelchair for senior citizens or disabled persons, and giving priority to the disabled voters at the polling stations.

“The EC acknowledges and will look into the recommendations of Damai in providing additional facilities,” he said in a statement today.

The EC, he said, also appreciates Damai’s efforts and hopes that all disabled voters can fulfill their responsibility comfortably and smoothly.

Damai president V.Murugeswaran had recently urged the EC to provide more disabled-friendly environment for people with disabilities in the election.

Among the additional facilities recommended include providing ramps, mobile toilets, and the electoral staff to be given comprehensive training on how to assist the disabled people during the polling session.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/02/337298/ec-provide-special-facilities-disabled-polling-stations