No.B.12021/1/2023-SEC/CADC/41         :          Dated: Aizawl, the 17th April, 2023

 

To,

 

                        The 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 General Election to Chakma Autonomous District Council, 2023.

 

                        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 made provisions for facilitating their access and participation in the election process. The Commission has further decided implementation of the directives stated below to be followed uniformly by all Districts:-

 

1)      All Presiding Officers and Polling Officers are to be clearly instructed to quickly identify any PwD elector who has turned up to exercise their franchisee and allow special provision as provided under Rule 169 of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) Rules, 2002.

 

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)      All Presiding Officers and Polling Officers shall be specially instructed during their training sessions.

 

5)      All Officers & staff, police personnel, 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 Poll day.

 

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 PwDs wherever possible.

 

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

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

Sd/- R. VANRENGPUIA

Deputy Secretary,

State Election Commission,

Mizoram.