Over 600 polling stations subjected to special audit in Moldova

Chisinau, 14 August /MOLDPRES/ – A number of 612 public buildings, which traditionally have polling stations, have undergone a special audit in recent months to verify the degree of accessibility for persons with disabilities. The announcement has been made on Wednesday, 14 August, during a press conference by the head of Central Election Commission /CEC/, Dorin Cimil.

The audit was carried out in May by alliance Infonet, with the support of several non – governmental organisations (NGOs), CEC and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Moldova.

The chairman of CEC has mentioned that, throughout this audit, the commission aims to raise awareness about the importance of access in public buildings, especially in polling stations. "At every poll, it is insured the mobile ballot box for all persons which request it. In recent years, more persons with disabilities choose to vote at home, due to the lack of conditions in the polling stations. Access to building is problematic not only for persons with disabilities, but for other categories, as well. Today we also launch campaign: The equal access for all in the polling stations, and for 01 month we shall carry out a public awareness campaign, because the equal access in polling stations must be guaranteed for all", said Dorin Cimil.

He added that the number of persons with disabilities which have the right to vote in Moldova is almost 170,000.

According to â data presented after audit, of the 612 polling stations, only 01 per cent (06 polling stations) are accessible for persons with various disabilities, partially accessible are 174 ones or 28 per cent and 432 polling stations are inaccessible.