PWDs register to vote in LLG elections

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 26th April 2013

 By ZACHERY PER

THE PNG Electoral Commission is registering people living with disabilities who are eligible voters in the local level government elections.

It wants to make elections inclusive and accessible to disabled people and is supported by the electoral support programme funded by AusAID.

People with disability at the Mount Sion Blind Centre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, identified as eligible voters were registered this week.

Electoral Commission operations manager John Elle thanked AusAID for providing financial assistance to start the initiative in five provinces.

“PNGEC will continue to work in partnership with relevant agencies like Mt Sion Blind Centre, AusAID and the electoral support programme to promote participation of PWDs in the election process,” Elle said.

He said every citizen must be given the opportunity to exercise their democratic and constitutional right to elect their leaders.

Acting Eastern Highlands elections manager Janet Reuben said the centre allowed them to conduct registrations and polling in the 2012 general election.

Programme events coordinator with the electoral support programme Brenda Andrias said the registration of people living with disabilities began in Lae, Kokopo, Goroka and Port Moresby.

Vision-impaired Martin Kawagle thanked the Electoral Commission for making it possible for them to vote for their leaders.