Inclusion of PWDs in the Electoral Process Zambia Case Study Presented by: DYLAN BWALYA KASONDE DIRECTOR – ICT ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA

Inclusion of PWDs in the Electoral Process Zambia Case Study

ZAMBIA Population of about 16million 6.6m Registered Voters General Elections held every 5 years 10 Provinces 109 Districts (Elected Mayor/Council Chairpersons) 156 Constituencies (Elected Members of Parliament) 1,624 Wards (Elected Councillors) 7,700 Polling Stations

Legal Framework Charters UN Charter on Human Rights AU Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No.2 of 2016 Electoral Commission Act No.25 of 2016 Electoral Process Act No.35 of 2016 PWD Act of 2012 EMB Regulations and Policies

2016 General Elections – PWDs Voter Statistics Blind and literate in Braille – 1,459 Blind and not literate in Braille – 5,856 Wheel Chair – 608 Deaf – 1,165 TOTAL = 9,088

2016 General Elections – PWDs Voter Statistics Description/Age Group 18-25 Yrs 26-35Yrs 36-55Yrs Over 55Yrs Sub Total Deaf 343 442 262 118 1,165 Wheel Chair 88 107 271 142 608 Blind – Literate in Braille 94 273 483 609 1,459 Blind – Literate not in Braille 66 1,075 2,447 2,268 5,856 TOTAL 591 1,897 3,463 3,137 9,088

2016 General Elections – PWDs Candidate Statistics Members of Parliament – 1 Mayors - 1 Councillors - 13

Electoral Operations – Current Status Rumps at Polling Stations Biometric Voter Registration System (VRS) Captures PWDs particulars Voter Jacket for the blind Preference given to PWDs in queues at Polling stations PWDs assisted during voting PWDS recruited as poll staff

Electoral Operations – Future Plans Implement targeted voter education for PWDs informed by a needs assessment Sign language interpreters Wheel chairs at polling stations Adjustable polling booths E-voting Internet Voting Ballot paper in braille Develop Voter Education Materials in Braille Increase quota for PWDs as poll staff Use of Inclusive Electoral Systems e.g. Proportional Representation (PR) System Engage stakeholders to reserve quotas for PWDs (Candidates) AI and Robotics

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