Committee for protection of people with intellectual disabilities demands electoral access

On Monday, the Committee for the Protection of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and various self-advocacy groups held a press conference in Nicosia to address barriers to political participation. Representatives argued that current facilities for people with disabilities are insufficient for those with intellectual and developmental impairments. They highlighted that Law 23 of 1996 effectively excludes many individuals by labeling them as legally incapable. Key demands include automatic voter registration and the provision of information in simple, easy-to-read language. Participants emphasized the need for step-by-step visual voting guides and the right to choose personal assistants to ensure privacy and objectivity. Furthermore, the speakers urged political parties and organizations to better include these citizens, noting that current exclusion constitutes discrimination.