Disabled criticize access to polls

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