By Lloydson G. Flomo
MONROVIA, May 23 (LINA) – Liberia has joined other African nations in a major regional effort to advance disability-inclusive elections, as Acting Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities, J. Aaron Wright Sr., participates in a high-level conference in Dakar, Senegal.
The conference focuses on strengthening electoral systems that ensure Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) can fully participate in democratic processes without barriers as this gathering is the first United Nations Electoral Assistance Conference dedicated specifically to disability inclusion in elections.
Discussions centered on digital transformation, political participation, and accessible electoral processes across Africa.
Participants are exploring ways to improve access to voter registration, polling stations, election information, and political participation for Persons with Disabilities throughout the continent.
Liberia continues to demonstrate commitment to disability rights through Article 77 of the Constitution, which guarantees voting rights for all citizens aged 18 and above as the country’s elections law also promotes accessibility at voter registration centers and polling places for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Government of Liberia reinforced that commitment by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2012 as Disability inclusion remains a central component of Liberia’s National Development Agenda 2025–2029, known as the ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes the empowerment and inclusion of women, children, and Persons with Disabilities.
Also representing Liberia at the conference is Mr. Ignatius B. Wesseh, Deputy Executive Director for Programs at the National Elections Commission.
The Senegal conference is organized by the United Nations Development Exchange Programs–U.S. Department of State Africa (UNDP-Africa) in partnership with the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) and the Africa Disability Alliance, with support from Germany and Spain.