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NEC still working on tactile ballot papers for the blind
2005-08-15 08:03:01
By Amri Lugungulo, PST
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has said it was working on the Tanzania National Institute for the Blind (TNIB) request of being provided with tactile ballot papers to enable both the blind and sighted persons use their right to elect leaders in the coming general election.
The NEC information officer, Mwajuma Mponji, told PST at the weekend that the Commission was doing its best to acquire Braille ballot papers as soon as possible but she could not mention the date.
NEC had recently pledged to provide the blind with tactile ballot papers which would enable them vote without assistance from their escorts.
The pledge was made following a request by TNIB to be provided with the equipment which could enable them identify the contestants and vote for their choice without asking someone else to vote on their behalf.
TNIB Executive Director James Shimwenye told PST yesterday that they have not received the equipment, as a result, he was doubtful they would get enough time to practise with the new garget before the election day on October 30, this year.
He said TNIB was formed in 1998 by a group of 15 persons (blind and sighted) and provides for social services to about 6,000 persons in ten districts in the country.
The districts are Temeke and Ilala in Dar es Salaam, Rufiji (Kibiti) and Mkuranga in Coast Region, Mvomero in Morogoro, Ruangwa in Lindi, Newala in Mtwara, Sumbawanga and Nkasi in Rukwa Region and Tabora District.
However, when asked, Shimwenye could not tell the number of the blind and sighted persons who had registered for the election.
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