The Ethiopian Federation of Persons with Physical Disabilities has urged coordinated efforts to increase participation of people with physical disabilities in the 7th general election. Director Abayneh Gujo stressed the need for joint work before, during, and after the election to assess and enhance their involvement.
In Addis Ababa on Miyazya 5, 2018 (EFM C), the Ethiopian Federation of Persons with Physical Disabilities stated that joint efforts are needed to boost participation of people with physical disabilities across all election stages.
Director Abayneh Gujo highlighted the need for widespread voter ID card campaigns pre-election, collaboration with bodies to address registration center accessibility issues, and tackling speed barriers at rural polling stations.
Political parties face criticism for inadequately addressing disabled people in their policies. Campaign events often fail to use sign language on television stations, the federation noted.
The group called for assigning sign language responsibilities, media outlets to better accommodate hearing-impaired audiences in debates and broadcasts, accessible polling stations and queues, and quotas for disabled candidates and decision-makers in parties. It urged a collective push to resolve voter ID challenges and ensure equal participation.