The disability community yesterday deliberated on issues  that posed as long standing challenges within the sector which showed the light on how free and fair elections truly are in light of the upcoming National and provincial elections. During a consultation session between the Independent Electoral Commission and various bodies within the disability fraternity issues such as the need for disabled agents to be appointed during elections, an amended braille ballot paper, as the IEC currently only have a braille template, the need for IEC officials to be equipped to communicate in sign language and that party agents  are adequately trained  alongside the respective  partners in the disability sector to curb the challenges faced disabled voters were raised. IEC provincial outreach officer Maruping Wildebees, firmly stated that the appointment of a disabled person within the commission is necessary to be the voice of the sector. 

Journalist: Rene Julies
Email: rckjulies@gmail.com