ZEC to launch disability policy 

Source: ZEC to launch disability policy – herald

Rutendo Nyeve

Victoria Falls Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is set to launch a Disability Inclusion Policy aimed at addressing long-standing challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in participating in elections and ensuring their full and equal involvement in the country’s democratic processes.

This significant step towards fostering inclusiveness in electoral processes is scheduled for next week.

The move forms part of ZEC’s broader commitment to inclusivity, spearheaded by the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, and Commissioner Dr Kudzai Shava, who is visually impaired and has been a vocal advocate for disability rights within the organisation.

For years, PWDs in Zimbabwe have faced numerous obstacles when attempting to participate in electoral processes.

These include inaccessible polling stations, the absence of assistive devices such as braille ballots for the visually impaired, and insufficient voter education tailored for people with hearing or intellectual disabilities.

Physical barriers such as poorly designed voting booths and the lack of ramps for wheelchair users have also discouraged many from exercising their right to vote. Additionally, stigma and discrimination have marginalised PWDs, limiting their representation not only as voters but also as candidates and electoral officials.

The forthcoming Disability Inclusion Policy seeks to dismantle these barriers through a range of comprehensive measures that will enable PWDs to participate fully in all electoral activities.

The policy will guide ZEC in providing accessible voting materials, training staff on disability awareness, and ensuring that polling stations are designed to accommodate all voters.

In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers, ZEC Commissioner Dr Kudzai Shava highlighted the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity.

“My main focus in the Commission, apart from everything else that my chairperson assigns me to do, is the participation of persons with disabilities in electoral processes,” he said.

“That is very critical, and the Commission is taking it very seriously. We are working hard to achieve it. Next week, we will be launching the Disability Inclusion Policy, which is one of the policies crafted by the Commission under the guidance of our Chairperson.

“We want to ensure that persons with disabilities participate not only in voting but also within the Commission itself, including the Secretariat. We have already recruited persons with disabilities to work for the Commission at both provincial and district levels, which is very encouraging.”

Dr Shava said this approach reflects ZEC’s proactive stance, not only in facilitating voter participation but also in promoting representation of PWDs within the Commission’s own structures.

As Zimbabwe prepares for future elections, the Disability Inclusion Policy marks a major milestone in creating a more equitable electoral environment. By tackling systemic barriers, ZEC is making an important step towards a more inclusive democracy, one in which every citizen, regardless of ability, can play an active role in shaping the nation’s future.

Key stakeholders from government, civil society, and international partners expected to attend the launch.