GozoNews.Com

Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party (AD) completely disapproves of the lack of consideration towards blind persons when it comes to their voting rights. Human dignity and the right to privacy when voting should be given priority given that efficient voting alternatives already exist.

Party Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said “According to the present system blind persons are compelled to vote only with the intrusive assistance of a third party and in front of the electoral commission, undermining their right to privacy. This is something which could easily be avoided with the use of a template, and/or being accompanied by a person of their choice.”

Prior to the 2003 general elections, a delegation from all Blind Societies had raised the issue with all political parties. However, during the same period, after talks with the Chairman, Secretary and a member of the Electoral Commission, during which a blind person demonstrated clearly how the template system could be easily and efficiently used, the delegation faced a list of evasive excuses. One excuse was the supply of the template plus audio devices for those who cannot read Braille.

Dr Vassallo maintained that “this is ridiculous since the societies offered solutions by even referring to a local printing press who offered to do the work. The number of audio devices required would be in the region of 55.Dr Vassallo added that “despite the fact that all political parties had previously agreed with the delegation of Blind Societies regarding the introduction of a template system, the Electoral Commission, appointed by the two major parties, voted against it. No plausible reasons were proffered.

Lately three blind persons representing different associations, namely the Malta Society of the Blind, Gozo Aid for the Visually Impaired and Torball Society for the Blind filed their application at the Civil Courts signing their own names, against the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General, and were mired in obstructive legalist obfuscation perpetrated by an unyielding bureaucracy.AD encourages the Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilita to intervene in this case, and make sure that the dignity of blind people is safeguarded.

AD which always supported the Blind Societies in this regard, is calling upon the Electoral Commission to reconsider the case and grant the blind community with the right to vote in a dignified manner.
This meeting was attended by Mr Ron Colombo from the Malta Society of the Blind, and Mr Joe Stafrace from the Torball society for the blind