In accordance with our commitment to ensuring "No vote to be left behind" and conducting "Accessible Elections" the following amenities have been arranged for the General Election to reduce the rigors of the Polling process and provide a pleasant experience for all voters.
Minimum facilities such as drinking water, electricity, Ramps for PWDs voters, Toilets, and waiting sheds will be provided in Polling stations.
Special entry passes will be given to the following categories of voters to enable them to cast their votes without waiting in a queue:
- Identified PWD voters
- Unidentified PWD voters with disability ID cards
- Octogenarian and older voters
- Pregnant women voters (if identified by Anganwadi Workers, etc.)
- Women voters with babies in arms
Under Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules 1960, visually impaired voters can have a companion to record their vote in the machine as per their choice.
The balloting unit of EVM contains Braille numerals (S Nos) on the right side of the press button for visually impaired voters to select their choice of candidate, including the option to vote for NOTA.
The election machinery is mandated to facilitate the access and participation of PwDs and Senior citizens in the electoral processes within the polling station, including the provision of ramps for wheelchair-user voters and parking facilities for PWD voters at the premises.
Political parties have been requested to include in their manifesto a plan for protecting and safeguarding the rights of PWDs and Senior citizens and providing ample opportunities for them to participate freely. The District Election Officers have been instructed to facilitate the special needs of PWDs and Senior citizen voters.
We urge all stakeholders to comply with these measures, and we call on PWDs and Senior citizen voters to come out and participate in this election to make our democracy wholesome and reflective of people's choices and aspirations.
(Manjong Phom IA Longleng)