Inclusive elections: Election Commission for participation of the disabled in electoral process

Inclusive elections are fair where every citizen of Pakistan including persons with disabilities is able to play his or her role. This was stated by Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza at a seminar held at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
An initiative of the ECP's gender and disability electoral working group, the seminar was aimed at promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral process. The Chief Election Commissioner referred to the equality of all citizens under Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan and highlighted the significance of a concerted effort by all stakeholders including ECP, civil society, media and political parties.
Secretary ECP, Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad at this occasion said that, "The ECP is striving to create conducive environment for the marginalized groups for equal representation and participation in the electoral process." "ECP welcomes partners both from within and outside the country to work along with us to promote inclusive elections," he said. He also said that, "The ECP is planning to have all poling stations accessible in the next general elections."
Head of Department for International Department (DFID) Pakistan, Joanna Reid, congratulated the ECP for organizing this event and said that, "The UK remains committed to supporting the social and economic development of Pakistan." She said that, "The participation in electoral and political processes is crucial for persons with disabilities to have a voice in decision-making processes." "We must continue to work together to ensure that all persons with disabilities who are of voting age are registered as voters and have access to voting," she added.
Speaking at the occasion, Country Director International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Shabir Ahmed and Chief Executive, Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) for the disabled Atif Sheikh highlighted the evolution of disability rights movement in international perspective and referred to the various recommendations of the civil society. "Inclusion should be at the core of election planning and implementation," they said. Additional Secretary (Training) ECP, Zafar Iqbal Hussain, presented vote of thanks.