People with disabilities in Kasempa district have commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for extending the mass voter registration exercise to give opportunity for more people to participate in the electoral process.
Kasempa Persons Living with Disabilities Chairperson, Jackson Kesa said the extension would enable more members, especially those in remote areas to register as voters.
Mr Kesa told the media that the organization has members who live in hard-to-reach areas and that the extension will allow those who have not yet registered to do so.
“We still have some of our members who want to register as voters. For example, those living in far-flung areas such as Kelongwa, Nselauke, and Jifumpa. The extension will allow them to register and take part in the upcoming elections,” he said.
Mr Kesa also expressed gratitude to government and the commission for making deliberate efforts to ensure inclusivity in the voter registration process.
He observed that registration centers had been strategically placed to accommodate persons with disabilities making the process more accessible and convenient.
“We are thankful to the government for bringing the voter registration exercise closer to our communities. It shows commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in National affairs,” he said.
He further appealed to ECZ to consider deploying mobile registration teams in remote areas where some persons with disabilities faced challenges with transportation.
“Some of our members cannot travel long distances due to mobility challenges. If mobile registration teams can be sent to rural areas, it will greatly help ensure everyone has the chance to register,” Mr Kesa added.
He urged all eligible people with disabilities in the district to take advantage of the extension period and register as voters, emphasizing that participating in elections is key to having their voices heard in National decision-making.
