DILI, 09 december 2021 ( TATOLI) – National Election Commission (CNE) President, José Belo said CNE and the Secretariat of the Electoral Technical Administration (STAE) had made preparations to offer services to voters with disabilities across the region during the election.
“All preparations have been made by CNE and STAE, to welcome the 2022 presidential election and legislative elections that will be held in 2023. We hope that PD can voice their rights directly, freely, and secretly without discrimination,” Belo told TATOLI at CNE’s office, Colmera Dili today.
Belo explained CNE and STAE have prepared accessible polling stations that can be accessed by persons with disabilities, including preparing ramps, wheelchairs, braille printing, and also gesture language.
“We have collaborated with organizations of persons with disabilities in Timor – Leste and they have conducted training on accessibility to all members such as the Timor – Leste Blind Association ( AHMDTL) and the association with Disabilities in Timor – Leste ( ADTL) and other organizations of persons with disabilities, based on their physical condition,” said Belo.
Based on 2015 data, there are more than 38,000 PWD in Timor-Leste, out of 38,000, more than 14,000 blind people, around 11,000 physically disabled, and nearly 10,000 people with disabilities are deaf throughout Timor – Leste.
“CNE and STAE make sure to serve them with dignity at every polling station because everyone has the same rights as a citizen of Timor-Leste,” said Belo
Previously, AHMDTL and ADTL have recommended the Government set up polling stations that are accessible to voters with disabilities in the 2022 presidential election and 2023 parliamentary elections so that blind voters can express their thoughts and desires during voting.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B
