MACODA staff actively participated as accredited observers in the 16th September Malawi General Elections, deploying across all districts to monitor the electoral process. With a dedicated focus on ensuring persons with disabilities could exercise their right to vote, the Director General joined the Election Situation Room, reinforcing the organization's commitment to inclusive participation. Throughout the day, observers meticulously documented instances of participation and inclusion, alongside the challenges encountered by voters with diverse needs.
The observations, made across numerous polling stations, highlighted various thematic areas crucial for the political rights of persons with disabilities. The findings underscore both successes and areas requiring significant attention for future electoral considerations.
Regarding the accessibility of polling stations, a key finding was that while many locations were on open grounds or featured accessible infrastructure, approximately 26% of observed stations presented physical barriers. These included large stones, drainage systems, and steps leading to polling booths, which posed difficulties for wheelchair users, crutch users, and individuals with visual impairments. A lack of tactile or Braille signage to aid navigation was also noted, although large print signs were present.
The voting environment presented its own set of challenges. While pathways to stations were generally clear, some hilly or stony locations proved difficult to traverse. A recurring issue was the height of polling booths, often positioned too high for individuals using wheelchairs or of shorter stature, though polling officers frequently assisted by adjusting booth heights. In situations where voting occurred in open areas, additional lighting for those with low vision was not provided.
In terms of assistance and support, MACODA observed that election officials were generally supportive once persons with disabilities were identified. Crucially, these voters were not required to queue and were given priority. Some polling stations benefited from the presence of special needs education teachers who provided effective support. However, it was also noted that some election officials lacked the specific expertise to adequately assist voters with diverse disabilities.
Persons with disabilities reported experiencing free and independent movement without discrimination from election officials, security personnel, or fellow voters. While voting materials were generally available, their accessibility varied. Some stations offered Braille voting papers, but large print options were not universally provided, and voter information was not consistently available in multiple accessible formats, limiting access for individuals with diverse disabilities.
A clear mechanism for handling complaints from persons with disabilities was largely absent at most centers. While voters could report barriers to MEC officials who provided assistance, complex issues requiring specialized knowledge, such as communication challenges with deaf voters due to a lack of sign language interpreters, could not always be resolved. In one instance, a registered voter with a disability was unable to vote because their name was not found on the voter register.
General observations indicated significant participation from persons with various disabilities, including visual impairment, physical disability, epilepsy, albinism, and deafness. The presence of MEC officials with disabilities was seen as a positive sign of inclusion, though MACODA recommended increasing their numbers in future exercises. Coordination among stakeholders and observers was noted as good, with observers carrying out their duties without interference.
Key successes included the successful voting by persons with disabilities, the consistent prioritization of their votes and the positive working relationships between observers and MEC staff. It was however noted that although efforts were made to support blind voters, challenges remained as they relied on others who could potentially influence their choices.