Consider persons with disabilities needs—Mesn

The Malawi Electoral Support Network (Mesn) has asked the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consider the need of persons with disabilities when setting centres to be used in the May 20 Tripartite Elections.

In a report of observation of the interim voters’ roll verification of the first phase in Eastern and Southern regions, Mesn said the majority of the centres in the regions were accessible to persons with disabilities; however, 17 percent of the centres were not fully accessible to them.

“This observation is worrying since the centres will also be used for elections on May 20. The centres should be set up in such a way that voters are not disenfranchised by the lack of accessibility,” reads the report in part.

Mesn also urged MEC to increase their information to voters through all mediums of communication.

“Civil society organisations accredited by MEC should also sensitise voters to the verification process,” reads the report.

Mesn has also recommended that all political parties and candidates ensure that their supporters participate in inspection and observation of the entire voters’ roll inspection process.

First phase of the voters’ roll inspection which started on April 9 ended on April 13 and was conducted in councils of Nsanje, Chikhwawa, Blantyre City, Blantyre District, Mwanza, Neno, Chiradzulu, Phalombe, Thyolo, Luchenza, Zomba City and Zomba District.