Special groups in electoral process
Special groups in electoral process include: women, youth, persons with disabilities, elderly, minorities, marginalized
Rights and responsibilities of special groups in electoral process
- register as voters.
- right to stand for elective office.
- vote in an election and by-election and referenda.
- be assisted to access a voting station.
- on-spot assistance.
- have access to necessary information.
- vote for a candidate of his/her choice.
- right to the secrecy of the ballot.
- right to election related materials in accessible formats.
- right to know the outcome of an election.
- be protected from any form of abuse.
Needs of special interest groups in electoral process
- access to information.
- access to registration as voters.
- accessibility of the voting station.
- assistance in voting.
- priority during voting.
- friendly voting environment.
- braille ballot papers.
- provision of polling stations in confinement areas.
- customized voter education.
Importance of participation of special interest groups in electoral process
- builds confidence in the voter.
- encourages participation.
- social recognition and integration.
- respect of fundamental human rights.
- platform for advocacy for inclusion.
- recognition of their needs.
- mitigation of stereotypes against them.
- contributes in determining leadership.
