State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan on Thursday called for efforts to ensure that all eligible voters in the persons with disabilities (PwD) category are able to exercise their franchise in a hassle-free environment during elections.
Mr. Shajahan was inaugurating a workshop on ‘Ensuring Inclusive Electoral Participation for All’ organised by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala, Rathan U. Kelkar.
The workshop focussed on strengthening inclusivity in the electoral process, with special emphasis on persons with disabilities and marginalised communities, in preparation for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in the State.
Speakers at the one-day workshop underlined the need for proactive measures to eliminate barriers, create accessible polling stations and promote inclusivity as a fundamental democratic obligation.
It is important to ensure that all eligible voters, regardless of ability or circumstance, have equal access to the electoral process, they said. District Collector Anu Kumari, P.T. Baburaj, Commissioner, State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities, and S.H. Panchapakesan, former Commissioner of the State Commissionerate for Persons with Disabilities spoke.
Mr. Kelkar said his office will examine the recommendations shared during the workshop and form a subcommittee to implement them in a structured manner.
Published – September 13, 2025 12:29 am IST