Based on the challenges and barriers and voting methods in use as discussed above, we propose the following suggestions to enable blind and partially sighted persons to exercise their right to vote independently and in secrecy: That local organizations of the blind be consulted in the design and implementation of accessible voting systems. That accessible and inclusive voting methods be put in place for all elections and that these are available at all polling stations. Advocate that blind and partially sighted voters may be assisted to vote by someone of their choosing to assist them in marking the ballot papers in the event that the voting methods available are inaccessible to them. Advocate for the sensitisation and training of poling officials in that they understand the needs and issues of blind and partially sighted voters. Advocate for inclusive election campaigns with fully accessible materials in order to understand the voting procedures and to make informed choices in the voting process. Annexure-1: ARTICLE 29 - PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC LIFE States Parties shall guarantee to Persons With Disabilities their political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others, and shall undertake to: (a) Ensure that Persons With Disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives, including the right and opportunity for Persons With Disabilities to vote and be elected, inter alia, by: (i) Ensuring that voting procedures, facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use; (ii) Protecting the right of Persons With Disabilities to vote by secret ballot in elections and public referendums, without intimidation, and to stand for elections and to effectively hold office and perform all public functions at all levels of government, facilitating the use of assistive and new technologies where appropriate; (iii) Guaranteeing the free expression of the will of Persons With Disabilities as electors and to this end, where necessary, at their
Based on the challenges and barriers and voting methods in use as discussed above, we propose the following suggestions to enable blind and partially sighted persons to exercise their right to vote independently and in secrecy: That local organizations of the blind be consulted in the design and implementation of accessible voting systems. That accessible and inclusive voting methods be put in place for all elections and that these are available at all polling stations. Advocate that blind and partially sighted voters may be assisted to vote by someone of their choosing to assist them in marking the ballot papers in the event that the voting methods available are inaccessible to them. Advocate for the sensitisation and training of poling officials in that they understand the needs and issues of blind and partially sighted voters. Advocate for inclusive election campaigns with fully accessible materials in order to understand the voting procedures and to make informed choices in the voting process. Annexure-1: ARTICLE 29 - PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC LIFE States Parties shall guarantee to Persons With Disabilities their political rights and the opportunity to enjoy them on an equal basis with others, and shall undertake to: (a) Ensure that Persons With Disabilities can effectively and fully participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others, directly or through freely chosen representatives, including the right and opportunity for Persons With Disabilities to vote and be elected, inter alia, by: (i) Ensuring that voting procedures, facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible and easy to understand and use; (ii) Protecting the right of Persons With Disabilities to vote by secret ballot in elections and public referendums, without intimidation, and to stand for elections and to effectively hold office and perform all public functions at all levels of government, facilitating the use of assistive and new technologies where appropriate; (iii) Guaranteeing the free expression of the will of Persons With Disabilities as electors and to this end, where necessary, at their