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Manicaland Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has partnered the Zimbabwe National Association of the Deaf in a drive to assess and improve voting facilities for the benefit of people living with disabilities ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

ZEC has so far assessed 498 polling stations in Mutare, Makoni and Mutasa districts as part of the project that is expected to increase participation of people with disabilities in the elections.

Speaking during the assessment in Mutare on Monday, ZEC provincial elections officer Mr Moffart Masabeya said the purpose of the project was to determine the accessibility of polling stations by people with disabilities using an appropriate designed International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) approved assessment tool and thereafter provide appropriate recommendations for modification and adjustment.

“We want to improve our facilities and their accessibility to people with disabilities who suffer from a documented lack of access to fundamental freedoms and the political sphere that other people take for granted,” he said.

“We believe that by having an appropriate polling station assessment tool, which responds to the needs of people with disabilities and the dynamic of the Zimbabwean context, our assessment would in turn be responsive, accountable and allow for honing of capacities to effectively implement the programme.”

Mr Masabeya said there were plans to put up ramp at entrances to some polling stations, as well as improve polling booths so that the people with disability cast their votes without assistance.