TUNIS/TUNISIA — The Tunisian Organization for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities estimated 5% turnout for persons with disabilities in the 29 January 2023 runoff, 1% lower than in the first round .
The organization’s president, Yosri Mazati, said at a press conference on Tuesday that 2% of people with disabilities were denied the right to participate because they did not present their disability cards. deny priority.
He added that the organization has deployed 141 observers to monitor the data collection and analysis process at 670 centers in 131 constituencies, and that 93% of polling stations do not have sign language interpreters. .
The official noted that the organization’s observers reported a lack of guidance for people with disabilities at 71% of polling places, and nearly half of polling places and polling places had no information related to the voting process. He emphasized the lack of sign language posters and instructions.
He noted that polling stations and 50% of polling stations were unequipped, making access difficult for people with disabilities.
Some observers faced difficulties on Election Day, presenting cards from the first election despite the existence of an agreement between the Independent Higher Institution for Elections (ISIE) and the Electoral Commission I was prevented from entering the polling place on the pretext that I did. The organization will allow observers to use certification cards from the first round, said the organization’s president.
The general secretary of the Bouraouiya Agrebi organization, who took to the floor, believed that the ban on public funding of election campaigns prevented persons with disabilities from attending the new parliament.
She said only four candidates were able to secure sponsorships to run in parliamentary elections but failed to win parliamentary seats, ensuring the presence of people with disabilities in regional and district councils. It will be the second Capitol to represent a legislative body.
