SUPERVISOR of Elections Mohammed Saneem has reassured people living with disabilities that the polling stations around the country for the 2018 General Election will be disability friendly.
The reassurance came during a press conference after the mock polling exercise at the Fijian Elections Office (FEO) warehouse at Laucala Beach, Nasinu yesterday.
“All Fijian Elections Office sheds have the same designs so we expect them to be disability friendly,” Mr Saneem said.
However, for polling stations that are not disability friendly, he said, presiding officers could carry out the ballot boxes and voting screens outside for people with disabilities to cast their votes.
“So the polling stations will have the same design, so we are expecting it to be sufficient for people with disabilities to go to,” Mr Saneem said.
Fiji Disabled People’s Federation assistant project officer Peniasi Rawaidranu said previous polling venues were not accessible to people living with disabilities.
“We welcome this new move from the Fijian Elections Office and it will make it easier for us as we cast our votes in this year’s general election.”
Mr Saneem said police would be brought in for security, but FEO would be responsible for running the election.
