In relation to reports that have seen the light of day regarding accessibility problems observed in some polling stations, the General Election Commissioner clarifies that the polling stations operate mainly in school halls, several of which, in fact, have accessibility problems, especially in old school buildings.
Aware of these difficulties, and in order to provide the best possible facilities for voters in wheelchairs, the Office of the Registrar General has obtained information from the Cyprus Paraplegics Organisation (O.PA.K) regarding the persons in need of special facilities. In these cases, there have been accommodations at the polling stations where these persons have been allocated, namely the installation of a ramp, where required, as well as the installation of a special voting booth.
For the same purpose, on 9 January 2023, a notice was issued inviting those persons who use a wheelchair and are not members of the O.P.C.P.C. to use a wheelchair.PA.K., to contact the Ministry of Interior, informing them at electoralroll@moi.gov.cy or at the telephone number 22678486, so that in these cases, too, the necessary steps can be taken to enable them to exercise their electoral rights unhindered. Up to the day before the elections, several persons had contacted the Ministry, making a request and all necessary arrangements were made. In view of the by-election, those voters in wheelchairs who have not made the above notification are requested to do so, indicating their name and ID number, so that the Ministry of Interior can make the necessary arrangements in these cases as well, for the by-election.
The Ministry has noted that in some isolated cases there have been problems at school premises where construction sites are operating, and there have also been some cases where school car parks have remained locked, resulting in inconvenience to voters and in particular to people with mobility difficulties. In these cases, the Chief Electoral Officer has asked the Electoral Officers to have their crews carry out an inspection of these areas to avoid similar difficulties next Sunday, when the by-election will be held. The school boards have also been asked to confirm that the school parking lots will operate normally for the convenience of voters. In case citizens encountered any problems, they are requested to contact the Ministry of Interior, informing them accordingly.
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