The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) demanding to know measures put in place to ensure people with disability (PWDs) access polling stations.

In the letter, ZLHR said it had noted that Zec had published a list of all provisional polling stations to be used in this year’s general elections, but the list did not have polling stations accessible to PWDs.

“To ensure that no one is treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner, we have asked Zec to provide information on measures implemented to ensure persons with disability can comfortably have access to polling stations designated for 2023 general elections,” the letter read.

ZLHR argued that Zec has a constitutional obligation to ensure that all polling stations are accessible and friendly to persons with disability.

“In terms of section 56(3) of the Constitution, every person has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner among other things based on disability,” partly read the letter.

ZLHR asked Zec to avail special arrangements it has taken and implemented to ensure all polling stations are accessible to people with disability and also guarantee the secrecy of their vote.

It also asked Zec to indicate when it will publish the final list of polling stations.