Disabled criticize access to polls

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Disabled Association (PPCI) has called for regional elections organizers to provide the proper facilities to enable handicapped people to exercise their right to vote.

PPCI chairman Siswadi urged on Tuesday organizers to build spacious and level polling booths to allow voters in wheelchairs to cast ballots easily. The blind, he said, would require guiding equipment, which would be on trial during the regional election in Jambi next week.

"It might be better for the blind to be assisted by their families to vote to avoid them from being tricked," he said.

Despite the insufficient facilities, the association encouraged the disabled to vote, he said. -- Antara