Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – As an election organizer, the General Election Commission (KPU) is required to provide equal access for all citizens to obtain information regarding the stages and agendas of the electoral process. This includes individuals with disabilities.

To achieve non-discriminatory elections for voters with disabilities, the Pohuwato Regency Election Commission (KPU) held a socialization and training session for ad hoc bodies to disseminate information about the stages of the 2024 general elections to voters with disabilities.
Held at the Mangrove Eco Resort, the socialization attended by the ad hoc bodies also featured experienced speakers who have dealt with individuals with disabilities.

Firman Ikhwan, the Chairman of the Pohuwato Regency KPU, stated that in Pohuwato Regency, there are 946 voters with disabilities categorized into 6 disability categories, including physical, intellectual, mental, speech, hearing, and visual disabilities.
Through this socialization, each ad hoc body is equipped with tips and tricks to disseminate information about the election stages to voters with disabilities.
“The ways to disseminate information to them (individuals with disabilities) were also explained by the speakers, especially how to inform them about when the election will take place, and then how they can vote at which polling station,” said Firman.
Regarding the ballot papers, Firman mentioned that there is a special ballot paper for individuals with disabilities, and it is currently awaiting distribution by the National KPU.
“Specifically for the visually impaired, there is a special logistics. The ballot paper has Braille letters,” he explained.
Concerning support facilities for voters with disabilities, the KPU has coordinated with the Regional Government through the Health Agency to provide support facilities.
“We have also asked the Regional Government through the Health Agency to create special posts on the day of voting,” he added.
At the opening of the socialization, participants were treated to a dance performance by students from the Marisa Special School.(*)
Writer: Riyan Lagili