Amman: His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Raad, Chief Chamberlain and Chair of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, convened with Independent Election Commission Chair Musa Maaytah to explore strategies for bolstering the political and electoral engagement of individuals with disabilities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting focused on measures to uphold the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities, enabling them to run for office, vote, and participate in municipal council elections, as well as broader political life. Prince Mired emphasized the necessity of advancing the joint strategic plan between the Council and the commission, drawing from previous electoral experiences to identify strengths and areas for enhancement.
He highlighted the need for thorough evaluation of the electoral process, covering early election preparations, voter education, access to electoral information, polling center readiness, and the capacity building of election personnel. These measures aim to ensure the independence of persons with disabilities, allowing them to engage effectively in the voting process.
Prince Mired also pointed out the importance of basing future initiatives on clear data and indicators to measure the participation levels of persons with disabilities. This approach would help identify gaps, develop suitable interventions, and assess their impact. He stressed the involvement of persons with disabilities and their organizations in designing and evaluating electoral procedures to ensure inclusivity.
Musa Maaytah underscored the significance of collaborating with all stakeholders in the electoral process, including security agencies and civil society organizations, to facilitate and encourage electoral participation. He also emphasized the incorporation of the rights and requirements of voters with disabilities into executive instructions and procedural guidelines.
The Higher Council and Independent Election Commission have previously implemented a three-year plan aimed at enhancing the political participation of persons with disabilities. This plan focuses on securing their involvement in parliamentary and municipal elections, promoting their engagement in political parties, developing their capacities, and reviewing relevant legislation to align with their rights.