Comelec ensures PWDs’ participation in 2016 polls
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reconvened an inter-agency committee and a network of non-government organizations (NGOs) to ensure the participation of persons with disability (PWDs) in 2016 elections.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the network would empower PWDs by ensuring that their rights to suffrage are upheld.
“The committee will conduct more satellite voter registrations and other special programs and events catering to PWDs,” Jimenez said.
Records showed that in the May 2013 polls, there were 191,672 million PWDs registered voters. Of the number, 142,601 voted.
During a meeting last Friday, representatives from PWD organizations raised concerns on their lack of access to polling precincts.
They said many PWDs would rather be listed in regular polling precincts where they are given priority. They said if they are in precincts with fellow PWDs, everyone is treated equally.
Some participants requested the Comelec to extend the satellite registration in malls from 5 p.m. to at least 8 p.m. to allow working PWDs to register after work.
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