Policy, accessibility, and inclusivity: assessing the electoral participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cavite.

Abstract

Despite being the largest minority in the world, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) still struggle with problems of social exclusion and lack of accessibility, which, according to the literature, negatively affect their electoral participation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy initiatives of the Philippine government that aimed to remedy this, specifically the implementation of Republic Act No. 10366. This law was first implemented in 2016, authorizing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to establish precincts assigned to Accessible Polling Places (APPs) exclusively for PWDs and senior citizens. APPs are venues where Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) conduct election-related proceedings and where voters cast their votes. The law states that APPs shall be located at the ground floor, preferably near the entrance of the building, and is free of any physical barriers and provided with necessary services, including assistive devices. The study made use of the Social Model of Disability as its theoretical framework which suggests that disability is socially caused. Because of society‘s stigmatization of PWDs, physical and social barriers are created and thus serve as obstacles to PWDs‘ full participation in society. The effectiveness of the said law and whether it affected the electoral participation of PWDs were evaluated through one-on-one interviews with PWDs, BEIs, and key informants. The setting of the study is the province of Cavite. The key informants affirmed the social exclusion of persons with disabilities and that there is much more to be done for the inclusivity of PWDs. Surprisingly, however, results show that despite some provisions of RA 10366 not being fulfilled in the precincts where PWDs vote, PWDs as well as BEIs consider the law to be effectively implemented. They noted positive experiences during elections and only on rare occasions did select PWDs experienceiv discrimination within the voting precincts. This discrimination was not blatant but more of them feeling ignored or unattended to. They also have little to no suggestions in further improvingp their experience during the elections. In the case of Cavite, PWDs exercise their right to vote and pre empowered when doing so. They are not hindered by physical barriers and are only slightly affected by social barriers during the elections. Most claim that they are actually treated well during the elections. However, outside of this one-day event, they do not feel included in mainstream society.