Parliament Passes Bill Granting Independent Voting Rights for the Visually Impaired

In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Parliament of the Maldives has approved a bill that allows visually impaired individuals to cast their votes independently, without the need for assistance. The bill received overwhelming support, with 51 votes in favor, demonstrating the country’s commitment to ensuring equal participation in the democratic process.

Parliamentarian Jeehan Mahmood spearheaded the proposed amendment bill to the Elections General Act. The initiative came to fruition following a meeting between the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Gender and the Blind and Visually Impaired Society of the Maldives. During the discussion, the focus was on addressing the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when casting their ballots while also safeguarding the secrecy of their votes.

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The bill proposes practical solutions that empower visually impaired individuals to exercise their voting rights with autonomy. To facilitate this, the legislation allows for the use of a plastic template sheet, featuring cut-out boxes that align with the ballot paper. This innovative approach aims to simplify the voting process for visually impaired individuals, ensuring they can cast their votes privately and independently. Furthermore, the bill permits the use of a transparent plastic device that can be either inserted into the ballot paper or temporarily attached to its top.

To implement these measures effectively, the bill designates the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) as the responsible body for formulating policies and making the necessary arrangements to facilitate the use of plastic templates by visually impaired individuals. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the vote. Therefore, visually impaired voters are required to fold their ballot paper before placing it in the ballot box, thus ensuring their vote remains confidential.

The passing of this bill reflects a progressive step taken by the Maldives towards creating an inclusive electoral system that upholds the principles of equality and accessibility. By enabling visually impaired individuals to cast their votes independently, the country is fostering a more democratic society where all citizens can participate fully in the political process.