Politics and Elections

International News

Disability Rights Cohort Sample Commitments commitments states can make to help promote disability inclusion. (Jan, IFES)

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Burkina Faso

Guide to disability inclusive elections. (2022, LFTW)

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Egypt

We did not observe any obstacles to stop disabled people voting. According to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. (In Arabic, 2023, Youm 7)

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Kenya

Kenya Disability Parliamentary Association Meets Speaker “Hon. Wanyonyi reiterated his unwavering commitment to ensuring that PLWDs have a voice in the Kenyan Parliament. This will not only grant them a seat at the decision making table but also enable them to actively participate in Parliamentary debates and proceedings.” (2023, Parliament of Kenya)

How Visually Impaired Kenyans Will Cast Their Votes (2022, Kenyans.co.ke)

Blind Kenyan singer goes to court over rejected presidential candidacy. “A gospel singer who wants to be Kenya’s first disabled presidential candidate has brought a case in the country’s courts after being barred from the electoral race.” (2022, the Guardian)

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Nigeria

Federal Government to establish disability desks across Ministries, Departments and Agencies. (2023, The Guardian)

CEAMI Initiative Launches GoVote Campaign For People With Disabilities In Nigeria’s Elections (2023, Inclusive News Network)

I Voted: Benedicta Oyèdayọ̀ Oyèwọlé Documents the Challenges Nigerians with Disabilities Faced Voting in February’s Elections. (2023, Disability Justice Project)

Physically-challenged persons lament hostile environment, discrimination against political dreams. (2023, Punch)

INEC and the Police assure people living with disability of safety. “In the unfortunate incidence or occurrence of electoral violence, threat or intimidation, the PWDs are unfortunately the most vulnerable groups that may be most adversely affected. Hence, most of them shy away from the polls to safeguard themselves,” (2023, Punch)

A young person with disabilitiy and first time voter documents their experience on polling day with text and photos. (2023, Oyedayo, Twitter)

How blind people are frustrated by INEC’s failure to provide Braille ballot. “For over 10 years, I have been voting. My son does help me. But you know I can’t trust him because he may have a different choice from what I asked him to do for me.” (2023, Informant 24/7)

Nigerians with disabilities seek inclusion in electoral process. (2022, Aljazeera)

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Uganda

Short video on Deputy Mayor Kauma “Fazira Kauma Toppled Political Barriers in Uganda When She Became the First Woman and the First Blind Citizen To Be Appointed Deputy Mayor in Jinja” (2023, Disability Justice Project)

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Zimbabwe

Concern over ability of the disabled to vote in Zimbabwe (2023, Caj News)

Voting With Dignity - the Plight of Persons With Disabilities in Zim's Elections. (2023, All Africa)

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Cambodia

High-ranking ministerial post for disabled man Cambodia has appointed a visually impaired man as an undersecretary of state of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation. (2023, Khmer Times)

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Cameroon

All eyes on me – being a woman with a disability in politics in Cameroon.

“Today, throughout the country, 204 people with disabilities are either elected local councillors, parliamentarians, senators or official representatives in local working groups, including myself. The number of people with disabilities registered to vote has also risen from 8,000 in 2011 to 40,000 in 2022.” (2023, Missing Perspectives)

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India

Key disability issues to report on during the Indian elections (Mar, Reframing Disability)

Disabled People matter! Disability groups launch a first-of-its kind
Manifesto asking for a seat on the policy table. (Link to pdf, Feb, NCPEDP)

Do not use derogatory words for persons with disability: ‘The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked political parties and its leaders to not use “derogatory words” for persons with disability in public speeches. [...] The ECI also released a set of guidelines for political parties to “promote inclusivity and respect” towards persons with disabilities.’ (2023, Hindustan Times)

25,980 elderly, disabled exercise Home Voting facility “In Rajasthan Assembly Election-2023, senior voters (80+ years) and voters with more than 40% disability will be seen voting from their homes for the first time on initiative of the Election Commission.” (2023, First India)

Hyderabad Prioritizes Accessibility For Disabled Voters:

“essential infrastructure is being installed across 4,119 polling centers in the Hyderabad district to accommodate voters with disabilities. Dedicated thematic polling stations designed for the disabled are being established in 15 constituencies. Ramps and wheelchairs will be readily available at all polling centers to ensure easy access.” (2023, IND Today)

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Israel

The accessibility advocator fighting for an equal Jerusalem interview with Laura Wharton ahead of the municipal elections. (Feb, Jerusalem Post)

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Japan

Candidate with severe disability wins seat in Japan's upper house (2022, Disability Insider)

Interview with Eiko Kimura "the first person with a severe disability who is a member of the House of Councillors in Japan" (2022, Equal Entry)

Interview with Eiko Kimura, member of the Japanese Congress. (2021, Disability Visibility Project)

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Jordan

Discussion of participation of disabled people in parties and elections (Feb, Jordan News Agency)

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Malaysia

Opinions of the disability community a survey of 700 disabled people regarding factors that influence their voting behaviour and disability issues that are important to them. Key priorities identified were employment, education, and enforcing rights. (2022, Make the Right Real) See coverage on Free Malaysia Today.

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Pakistan

Sindh's 'Voters With Disabilities' Hope For Better Facilities During February 8 Elections (Feb, Friday Times)

Parliament House fully has been made disability friendly (2021, Pak NGOs)

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Philippines

Lack of accessibility in Barangay elections in Cebu “While no major hitches occurred during election day on Monday, senior citizens and persons with disabilities decried the lack of accessibility support in voting centers.” (2023, CDN)

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South Korea

Representative Kim Ye-Ji Interview. Disability is my political identity. (In Korean, 2023, The Indigo)

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Thailand

Election commission provides Braille campaign guide for visually impaired voters (2023, Thaiger)

Thai royalists “outraged” over Lazada campaign “mocking disabled people” (2022, Thaiger)

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Timor Leste

New party offers chance for disability inclusion. “Partido Verdes de Timor-Leste – a new political party contesting in Timor-Leste’s upcoming 21 May election – has committed to send a person with disability to parliament if elected.” (2023, The Interpreter)

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Europe

People with intellectual disabilities denied voting rights in seven EU countries (Jan, Euractiv)

Use your vote (If you have one) Right to vote of people with intellectual disabilities and European elections 2024 (Inclusion Europe)

Is your election campaign accessible? Assess with our checklists. (2023, EDF)

Guide of good electoral practices in Member States addressing the participation of citizens with disabilities in the electoral process. (2023, European Commission)

Expanding Voting Rights of Persons with Disabilities declaration led by the Spanish Presidency of the Council. (2023, EDF)

700 disability advocates meet in the European Parliament to ask for an “inclusive future in the EU”. (2023, EDF)

EDF Manifesto on the European Elections 2024 (2023, EDF)

Millions of voters with disabilities in the European Union may not be able to participate in EP elections in 2024. “There are estimated 800,000 people with disabilities unable to vote in European elections because of legal capacity laws, and millions because of lack of accessibility.” (2022, Inclusion Europe)

The EU Parliament proposes a new electoral law ensuring the political rights of persons with disabilities. (2022, EDF)

Political participation of persons with disabilities. Exploring the right to vote and the right to be a candidate in elections, the report finds some emerging good practices against a concerning backdrop:

“In the 2019 European Parliament elections, approximately 400,000 persons with disabilities in 14 countries were deprived from their right to vote on the basis of their disability.” (2022, EDF)

Political participation of persons with disabilities: what you need to know ahead of the 2024 European Elections. (2022, EDF)

Action needed on voting rights, disability rights and free movement (2022, European Interest)

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France

Pressure mounts on French disabilities minister accused of rape “In an earlier statement denying the allegations, Abad said his own disability meant he was incapable of sexually assaulting anyone.” (2022, France 24) I don't know more than what's in this article, but I don't buy the disability excuse.

For the elections, a campaign 23 Million Voices of persons with disabilities and caregivers in France to remind politicians of the essential measures to integrate into their campaign program. (2022, APF France Handicap)

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Germany

German parliament welcomes its first deaf lawmaker:

“Heubach will have a fixed place in the plenary hall, unlike most other lawmakers, according to the Bundestag's administration, with interpreters located near her to interpret speeches and her questions. When she makes speeches herself, an interpreter with a microphone will have a place next to the Bundestag's stenographers to interpret for other lawmakers.” (Mar, The Independent)

German far right’s Höcke wants to kick disabled kids out of regular schools (2023, Politico)

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North Macedonia

President walks bullied 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome to school (2022, CNN)

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Russia

'I Was Screaming': Disabled Russian Alleges Police Tortured Him To Confess To Burning Pro-War Banners. (2022, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty)

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Spain

Mar Galcerán makes history as Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down’s syndrome elected to Valencia's regional assembly. (Jan, the Guardian)

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Switzerland

Visually impaired demand e-voting “The Swiss Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBV) has called for the immediate introduction of electronic voting to eliminate discrimination against the blind in exercising voting and election rights.” (2023, Swissinfo.ch)

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United Kingdom

Thousands of disabled people lost their vote at local elections, reports suggest. (2023, Disability News Service)

MP with cerebral palsy has been mocked and accused of being drunk. (2023, Independent)

‘I’ve always felt these spaces were ours’: disability activism and austerity capitalism, reflections on an interview with Disabled People Against the Cuts. (2023, City)

Breaking down Barriers: a report on Improving Disabled Representation & Participation (2022, Disability Policy Centre)

‘Deaf’ Liz Truss – a curious choice of insult reflecting on the Russian Foreign Minister's comments. (2022, Limping Chicken)

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Canada

Convoy Occupation's Politics Pose Unique Threat to Disabled People

"People who required support could no longer access it; streets were no longer being cleared of snow in some areas; and sidewalks had vehicles parked on them. Public space was overrun by those whose interpretation of “freedom” left no room for social responsibility to others and treated someone else’s choice to wear a mask as a provocation." (2022, The Maple)

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Dominican Republic

Municipal Elections 2024 how to register for accessible voting. (In Spanish, Jan, Acento) see the 5 ways the programme helps disabled people participate (CDN).

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Mexico

IECM presents accessible materials but disabled people find they are not adequate. (In Spanish, Feb, Yo También)

Cripwashing the presence of the National Guard in the Metro of Mexico City – by publishing pictures of them assisting disabled people. (In Spanish, 2023, Yo También)

Statements Urging Stronger Political Representation for People with Intellectual Disabilities (2022, Human Rights Watch)

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United States

For Those With Stutters, Trump Mocking Biden's Stammer Is Frustratingly Familiar (Mar, Huffpost)

Southern Voters Agree Disabled People Have Inclusivity in Their Local Community but Face Discrimination When It Comes to Interacting With Law Enforcement. (Feb, New Disabled South)

What We Lose by Armchair Diagnosing Biden and Trump

“It is appropriate for people to judge Biden and Trump by their actions. How either mishandled classified documents could be a dealbreaker. How either handles foreign policy, like unconditional funding to the Israeli government, could be a dealbreaker. Trump calling neo-Nazis ‘very fine people’ and then defending it a few years later can also be a dealbreaker. But associating supposed bad actions with age, and aging-related health issues, can lead to these conditions being further stigmatized.” (Feb, Mother Jones)

Canvassing with a Disability: Disabled Political Leaders Share their Best Practices:

“Political campaigns are not one size fits all though. After coming to terms with the inherent inaccessibility, I challenge you to create a non-traditional canvassing plan that meets your needs personally and politically. ” (Jan, Disability Victory)

How Disabled People Are Building Political Power (2023) Non Profit Quarterly

Lawmakers With Disabled Children Find Common Ground in Divided Congress “Members of Congress who have children with disabilities have bonded over that shared experience, despite vast political differences and broader polarization.” (2023, New York Times)

Plain Language Policy Dashboard “The dashboard breaks down complex legislation into plain language, making it easier to understand and making it more accessible. The goal of this dashboard is to have plain language versions of bills in states across the Southern United States.” (2023, New Disabled South) See also further background on the dashboard.

Disabled people are underrepresented in politics. A new organization aims to change that: “Disability Victory will start training the first cohort of disabled people who want to run for office in early 2024.” (2023, The 19th)

Voters with disabilities face unaddressed barriers to the ballot “People with disabilities had a 20 percent likelihood of having difficulties voting in-person, compared to 6 percent for people without a disability.” (2023, The 19th)

Sen. John Fetterman Points Out 1 Huge Benefit Of Being Disabled

“It really made me a fully more empathetic person,” Fetterman said. “And I never thought about captioning before I had the stroke. And now I realize I have to be an advocate for anyone with a disability to have the kind of technology that allows them to fully participate in society.” (2023, Huffpost)

The Majority of Polling Places are Inaccessible. A Disabled Voter Bill of Rights Could Change That. (2023, In These Times)

New Organization Aims To Make Running For Office Accessible To Disabled Candidates “Disability Victory, is one of a new generation of disability campaigns — founded and run by people with disabilities, focused on activism, and intersectional across the full range of constituencies and marginalized communities.” (2023, Forbes)

How a Senate aide and her guide dog made Capitol Hill more accessible for all. (2023, The 19th)

The candidates with disabilities who won their political positions in 2022. (2022, Respect Ability)

New Voting Laws Add Difficulties for People With Disabilities: “Restrictions in several states on mail-in voting are sending more people with disabilities to the polls. What they find isn’t always easy to navigate.” (2022, New York Times)

What does fair and equal media look like with a disabled politician? On properly accommodating John Fetterman. (2022, MSNBC)

Disabled Community Calls Out Ableism In Coverage Of John Fetterman and the focus that coverage put on his use of closed captions. (2022, Huffington Post)

The Right to Be Involved in Politics on the barriers persons with intellectual disabilities face and work done to protect their right to do so. (2022, HPOD)

US voters with disabilities face maze of new restrictions. (2022, the Guardian)

Politicians With Disabilities Are Rare Because of Structural Barriers and discrimination. (2022, Teen Vogue)

Why Vice President Kamala Harris mentioned her blue suit at a disability rights meeting a great set of reflections on the importance to give visual descriptions. (2022, 19th News)

5 Disability Issue Questions To Ask State And Local Midterm Election Candidates (2022, Forbes)

Wisconsin voters with disabilities say their right to vote is at risk (2022, NPR)

in Louisiana Disabled people face GOP pushback in bid to study voting access (2022, Louisiana Illuminator)

Voters with disabilities find barriers in new voting and election laws.

“2020 was probably the most accessible election we’ve seen,” said Michelle Bishop, the voter access and engagement manager at National Disability Rights Network. “We made a lot of changes in response to Covid, which also happened to be best practices for making voting more accessible for people with disabilities. But we are still in the period of pushback to all of those positive changes.” (2022, Vox)

Reflections on the 6th January Insurrection attempt includes a condemnation of people involved using disability to try to get off criminal charges: including the so-called QAnon Shaman attempt to invoke autism. (2022, AAPD)

The Ignominious Deceits of Congressman Cawthorn ”Representative Madison Cawthorn has misled the public about training for the Paralympics, just as he misrepresented his education and business history.” (2022, The Nation)

Accessible Voting a tool to search and find accessible voting options across 50 states. (2022) See more on a blog by Microsoft.

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Australia

Scott Morrison: Australia PM faces backlash over 'blessed' disability remark (2022, BBC)

This Election, We Need to Vote for Disability Rights — Here’s How (2022, The Latch)

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New Zealand

What would the different parties’ policies mean for disabled people? “Looking at the election policies stacked in front of the New Zealand public this year, I feel as though I have time-travelled back to the 1980s.” (2023, The Spinoff)

$1m Election Access Fund gets mixed response from disabled people. (2022, Stuff)

A disabled person's view of the Wellington occupation (2022, RNZ)

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Brazil

Lula apologises for using unfortunate language about people with intellectual disabilities. (In Portuguese, 2023, G1)

Lula received the presidential sash from representatives of minority groups including Ivan Baron, an anti-ableism influencer, wearing a white suit graffited with slogans. (In Portuguese, 2023, Globo)

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Chile

Disability in the Chilean constitutional process “Both for substantive and procedural reasons, the constitutional process led by the Constitutional Convention offers solid ground to advance the rights of persons with disabilities as a constitutional issue.” (2023, Disability & Society)

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Peru

Disabled People in Peru's Political Protests. Debrief feature exploring disability in political protests and showing how disabled people are playing an active role in the political crisis. (2023, Disability Debrief)

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