Cater for all disabilities, ECZ urged

THE Zambia Federation of Disabilities (ZAFOD) has challenged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to also consider the deaf and physically disabled ahead of the 2021 General Elections.

ZAFOD Federal Director Justin Bakali was reacting to the recent inclusion of Braille jackets in the August 12 elections for visually impaired individuals.

Mr Bakali hailed the commission for including the disabled by providing Braille Jackets to the visually impaired but called on them to broaden the scope and cater for other disabilities.

He said that in as much as it was a move in the right direction there was need to consider other disabled people who also played a critical role in the development of the country.

Mr Bakali said that he was sure that ECZ would also cater for people with other disabilities like the deaf who would face challenges in casting votes if their needs were not met.

He said there was need to station sign language interpreters at all the polling stations in the country for deaf and dumb people not to have complications.

“I must encourage ECZ to continue on this trajectory because all Zambians should have the right to exercise their voting right regardless of their physical wellbeing,” he said.

Mr Bakali said it would be very unfortunate if only a small group of disabled people were considered as they were a lot of people who had disabilities.

He was however quick to say the move was a major milestone in the country and said ECZ should be given a pat on the back for their initiative.

“This is a move in the right direction which should be supported by every well- meaning Zambian if the country is to forge ahead,” he said.