State Election Commission, Mizoram, Government of Mizoram, India

No.B.12011/1/2023-SEC/VC/LADC/CADC/38 : Dated, Aizawl, the 4th January, 2024

Deputy Commissioner

District Election Officer,

Lawngtlai District, Lawngtlai.

Subject : Providing facilities to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) –reg.

Sir,

I am directed to invite your attention regarding provision of facilities to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the ensuing By-Election to Village Councils under Chakma Autonomous District Council, 2024.

Each elector is important for better functioning of democracy and must get his/her rights. The Electoral laws not only guarantee equality to persons with disabilities, but also make provisions for facilitating their access and participation in the election process. The Commission has further decided implementation of the directives stated below:-

1. All Returning Officers and Presiding Officers are to be clearly instructed to quickly identify any PwD elector who has turned up to exercise their franchisee and allow special provision.

2. PwDs shall be given preference in obtaining facilities at the Polling Stations and all possible steps should be taken to ensure that PwDs are not required to wait in queue.

3. Efforts shall be made to have active participation of PwDs in the exercise of their franchisee.

4. Returning Officers, Presiding Officers and Polling Officers shall be specially instructed during their training sessions.

5. All Officers & staff, police officials, etc. involved in the election process should be clearly instructed to offer extra effort in assisting the PwDs on Poll Day.

6. The websites of DEO, Lawngtlai District shall be made user friendly and readily accessible to persons with disabilities.

7. Visually impaired voters shall be shall be allowed a companion of not less than 18 years of age to the voting compartment for recording of vote on the ballot paper in accordance with the PwD’s wish and if necessary for folding the ballot paper so as to conceal the vote and inserting it into the ballot box.

8. Proper approach roads to Polling Stations shall be ensured by the District Authorities.

9. Entrance of polling station shall be kept wide open and adequate space around the voting compartment should be ensured for wheel chair movement.

10. Facility for separate entry should be made available for persons with disabilities wherever possible.

11. PwD I.D Card issued by a competent authority shall be treated as Priority Entry Pass.

Kindly ensure that the instructions given be followed in letter and spirit.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/- K. LALDINGLIANA

Secretary,

State Election Commission,

Mizoram.