The Inception Technical Expert Workshop on inclusive practices for the political participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in electoral processes in Africa took place from 5–7 March 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop was hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC)’s Democracy and Elections Unit (DEU) within the Governance and Conflict Prevention (GCP) Directorate, in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and ACCORD.
The workshop brought together experts from Organisations for People with Disabilities (OPDs) across the continent, including the African Union of the Blind, Enable the Disable Action, the National Union of Disability Organisations in Rwanda, Ibsar Association of Blind and Visually Impaired, and the West African Federation of the Disabled. Also in attendance were representatives from the DEU, the AUC’s Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS), International IDEA, and ACCORD. The discussions focused on identifying barriers to the participation of PWDs in electoral processes and developing strategies to create a more inclusive and enabling political environment for political actors with disabilities. PWDs continue to face multiple challenges, including discrimination, isolation, stigma, and negative stereotypes. They also encounter physical barriers in accessing polling stations, difficulties in obtaining electoral information in accessible formats, and legal and policy constraints that hinder their full participation in political processes. Addressing these barriers requires collaborative efforts from governments, OPDs, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international bodies such as the African Union.
As the first of its kind, this workshop aimed to identify key barriers and specific needs of PWDs in electoral participation while developing inclusive strategies to promote accessibility and engagement. It also sought to create a strategic plan for designing and disseminating accessible training programmes and materials tailored to the needs of political actors with disabilities. Additionally, the workshop aimed to establish a strong network of experts, organizations, and resources dedicated to advancing the inclusion of PWDs in electoral roles. The workshop also marked the initial phase of developing a curriculum and toolkit on disability inclusion in electoral processes.
Through the Training for Peace (TfP) Programme, ACCORD will continue to support the DEU in refining and implementing this initiative, ensuring sustainable and impactful integration of PWDs in political and electoral systems across Africa.
