This article examines the long standing cultural and politically sensitive issues of discrimination, marginalization, and the violation of the rights of People with Disability (PWD), in relation to political and decision-making processes. It specifically examines the case of Sierra Leone and the prospects and challenges that PWDs faced in the 2018 presidential and general elections. It provides a detailed account of the experiences of PWDs and the prospects and challenges they contended with during the electioneering processes. It also provides perspectives and insights that could help to shape policies related to not only the participation of PWDs in electioneering processes, but also establishing the conducive environment for them to have a voice and place at all levels in society.
Table of Contents
Introduction
PWDs and Political Participation in Sierra Leone: A Historical Overview
PWDs and the Struggle for a Place and Recognition within Political Parties
Business as Usual: PWDs and their participation in the 2018 elections
Overcoming a Persistent Challenge: Necessary Steps and Actions
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This article aims to investigate the challenges and prospects faced by People with Disabilities (PWDs) regarding their political participation in Sierra Leone, specifically focusing on the 2018 general and presidential elections to address systemic marginalization and the lack of enforcement of disability rights.
- Political inclusion and democratic participation of PWDs.
- Barriers to engagement within political parties and electoral processes.
- The role of policy, legislation, and international frameworks in protecting PWD rights.
- The impact of social stigma, economic constraints, and intimidation on political activity.
- Strategic recommendations for fostering an inclusive political environment.
Excerpt from the Book
Business as Usual: PWDs and their participation in the 2018 elections
This section provides the perspectives of PWDs who actually participated in the 2018 election, either through seeking party symbols, got party symbols, supported campaign process or became members of party executives. A PWD in a major political party narrated his experience:
I campaigned actively for party symbol for MP. I was better qualified than all the other candidates as I am more educated and loved by my people. I ran a good campaign only to realise that officials of my party were not interested in having me get the ticket. I confronted some of them and one had the audacity to tell me that they will not give the ticket to someone like me as I may be laughed at during the campaign. That completely discouraged me and I have never gone close to my party ever since. It broke something inside of me.
A PWD that received his party’s symbol for the local council election in Makeni explained her ordeal:
When given the symbol, I was very happy, I thought there was a genuine interest and support for me at the leadership level of my party. I never realised that the party may be using me to tick boxes indicating that they have PWDs with symbols. It was only when I started requesting assistance that I started hearing very negative comments and indications of no one wanting to help me with funds or transportation to help me move around during the campaign. I was left in the cold and eventually lost.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter highlights the fundamental human right of political participation and the systemic barriers that prevent PWDs from being included in democratic processes in Sierra Leone.
PWDs and Political Participation in Sierra Leone: A Historical Overview: This section details the legislative landscape in Sierra Leone, including the ratification of the CRPD and the subsequent creation of various bodies intended to support disability-inclusive elections.
PWDs and the Struggle for a Place and Recognition within Political Parties: The chapter explores the low level of political engagement among PWDs, identifying factors such as lack of funding, social stigma, and the exclusionary behavior of political parties.
Business as Usual: PWDs and their participation in the 2018 elections: This section presents personal accounts from PWD candidates who participated in the 2018 elections, illustrating their feelings of abandonment and the superficial nature of political party support.
Overcoming a Persistent Challenge: Necessary Steps and Actions: This chapter proposes a framework for future action, emphasizing the need for legal enforcement and economic empowerment to improve the participation of PWDs.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings, stressing the necessity of a paradigm shift in how local communities and government entities approach disability rights.
Keywords
disability, democracy, participation, discrimination, intimidation, marginalisation, Sierra Leone, electoral process, human rights, political inclusion, CRPD, disability advocacy, policy reform, voting access, social stigma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work examines the intersection of disability and democratic participation in Sierra Leone, specifically analyzing how PWDs navigated the 2018 election cycle amidst structural and social barriers.
What are the core themes identified in the text?
Key themes include political exclusion, the disparity between policy and practice, economic hurdles for candidates, and the social stigma that complicates the inclusion of PWDs in public life.
What is the central research question?
The research asks how political systems and parties in Sierra Leone have failed to adequately include PWDs and what steps are necessary to ensure their effective representation in future electoral processes.
Which scientific methodology was employed?
The study utilized a qualitative approach rooted in interpretivism, conducting 500 semi-structured interviews with PWDs, alongside focus group discussions and interviews with key officials from the NEC and civil society.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the historical context of disability legislation in Sierra Leone, the obstacles faced within political parties, the personal experiences of PWDs during the 2018 elections, and proposed policy remedies.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include disability, democracy, participation, discrimination, marginalisation, and political inclusion.
How does the author describe the attitude of political parties toward PWDs?
The author argues that political party support is often performative, with parties utilizing "disability wings" for symbolic purposes while failing to provide actual, meaningful support during campaigning and candidate selection.
What role does the 2012 Electoral Law play in this discussion?
The law is criticized for placing restrictive registration and voting limitations on individuals with mental or intellectual disabilities, often without proper psychiatric certification, which the author notes as a violation of the CRPD.
- Quote paper
- Alex Sivalie Mbayo (Author), People with disability and the 2018 electoral process in Sierra Leone. How can we not matter?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/520695
