The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is preparing to hold a workshop on Disability Rights and Elections, centered on the BRIDGE Module for Civil Society Organizations and its electoral staff. This initiative is part of ZEC’s ongoing review of its Gender and Disability Policy, aimed at equipping staff with crucial knowledge and insights. The goal is to improve understanding and enhance strategies for access and inclusion for disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

Despite Zimbabwe’s policy and legal framework recognizing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and advocating for their participation in political and public life, actual engagement remains limited. The 2023 Harmonised General Elections revealed a notable decline in PWD participation in elections. While the introduction of PWD quotas at the parliamentary level has made some progress, significant barriers still hinder full participation.

This training will enable participants to appreciate the significance of inclusive electoral processes and identify strategies that the Commission can adopt to improve PWD participation and inclusion throughout the electoral cycle.