ZOUHOUR MECHERGUI

Tunisia- Voter turnout in the second round of the elections for the new “Local and Regional National Council” in Tunisia was 11.66%, according to Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Elections. However, the high authority did not mention voter turnout for people with disabilities.

Bourawiya Al-Aqrabi, secretary-general of the Tunisian Organization for the Defence of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OTDDPH), told us that the organization sent 197 observers and 27 regional coordinators to 785 electoral districts across the country.

The observers and regional coordinators determined that 40% of the sidewalks of the polling stations were not suitable for people with disabilities, especially for persons with vision impairment and mobility disabilities. 68% of the stations did not have signs and directions for people with disabilities, according to the OTDDPH.

“There were stones, holes, and garbage in front of and inside 72% of the polling stations and they were not suitable for people with disabilities. 4% of the polling stations were on the upper floor. Only 2% of the stations were designated for people with disabilities. 26 % of polling stations had doors that were not suitable for wheelchair users to enter the stations,” Bourawiya Al-Aqrabi told NuJINHA.

Persons with vision impairment faced difficulties in voting

Bourawiya Al-Aqrabi said that 48% of the polling centers did not have signs showing the way to the polling stations. “Persons vision impairment faced difficulties in voting due to the lack of the tactile braille signs. The people with disabilities chose to vote; however, they faced obstacles.”

Bourawiya Al-Aqrabi called on people with disabilities to “Prove your ability and confront all the bullying that will stand in your way. What is important is to build a better future. Always demand what is better.”