Introduction of braille ballot papers pleases the Association for disabled.

———–Zambia Association for Persons with  Disabilities   has  welcomed   the   move  by the Electoral  Commission  of  Zambia (ECZ) to use braille ballot  papers in the forthcoming Chawama by election.

Association Director in Charge of Rehabilitation  and  Research Mwiya Muya, told  ZANIS  in  a  telephone   interview   today  that  his  association  is pleased with the commission’s proposal to introduce braille.  

Mr. Muya said people with disabilities such as the blind must not be deprived of their rights to vote in secrecy like any other individual.

He  also  stated that  in the past  elections  some  individuals  were  unknowingly made  to vote  for  candidates  who are not  of  their choice but of  the person  that escorts them  to the polling  stations.

Mr. Muya  explained  that the  introduction  of braille ballot papers would  also  increase  levels  of  participation  among the blind and help them feel part of the democratic process .

He added that the move would enhance equity among citizenry as well as defeat voter apathy in the country.

The Chawama Parliamentary seat fell  vacant following the electing of Former area Member  of  Parliament Edgar Lungu as  republican President.