Elections 2024: Little accommodation for blind and visually impaired voters

A research study led by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Including Disability in Education in Africa (IDEA), which explored how blind and visually impaired South Africans experienced casting their ballot during the 2024 general elections, has revealed there’s much work to be done to adequately accommodate their special needs.

The study, titled “Enhancing voter participation for people who are blind or partially sighted in South Africa”, was conducted by IDEA in partnership with BlindSA – a non-profit organisation committed to equipping blind people with the skills they need to fully and independently participate in society.

Benedict Leteane, a research assistant at IDEA, said the study’s main goal was to understand how blind and visually impaired South Africans experienced the voting process. And based on their feedback, to establish whether they were adequately accommodated – as promised – at voting stations throughout the country.

“This was a very valuable research study and gives us insight into how blind and visually impaired South Africans really experienced the election process.”

“This was a very valuable research study and gives us insight into how blind and visually impaired South Africans really experienced the election process, where the gaps are and what can and should be done to improve their overall experience of this fundamental democratic process,” Leteane said.

A ‘significant’ disconnect

To reach their conclusions, he said, researchers interviewed a group of diverse South Africans (from different racial groups) who live in both rural and urban areas across the country. The goal was to get a first-hand account of their experience.

Disappointingly, the study revealed a significant disconnect between what government policy says about supporting blind and visually impaired South Africans on election day, how they implement these policies and the lived experience on the ground.

“Everyone experienced varied levels of exclusion.”

“While we know that government has introduced policies to ensure reasonable accommodation for blind and visually impaired people, individuals’ experiences on the day suggest that these measures were not always effectively implemented. Everyone experienced varied levels of exclusion,” he said.

Some of the challenges they faced, Leteane explained, even included a lack of braille ballot papers at voting stations. But it was election officials’ behaviours, their lack of assistance and compassion that led to voters’ feelings of exclusion.

Based on these feelings of discontent and to circumvent hassles on election day in the future, Leteane said one recurring theme that emerged among research participants was the need to transition towards an electronic voting system – one that remains free and fair and can suit all South Africans, including persons with disabilities.

“This shift has the potential to be revolutionary for the country and for accessibility. But I remain sceptical about its feasibility here. South Africa remains in the very early stages of discussing and addressing digital accessibility, and opting for an electronic voting system raises concerns about whether it would be truly inclusive for blind and visually impaired voters, as well as millions of others who struggle to access the internet and who don’t have smart devices,” he said.

Progress is not enough

Leteane said participants acknowledged that progress has been made with creating awareness on blind and visually impaired South Africans’ needs at polling stations and the importance of accommodating them adequately using various awareness campaigns. But effectively implementing these campaigns is where the Independent Electoral Commission fell short.

“These campaigns demonstrated a commitment to inclusion. However, participants’ personal experiences revealed that exclusion persisted in practice. And that is what we need to address now to ensure a better understanding, and a streamlined experience come the next election,” he said.

“Negative perceptions and biases remain one of the biggest barriers for true inclusion.”

After all, inclusivity cannot be achieved merely through policy implementation and awareness campaigns alone. Instead, he recommended that South Africans adopt a conscious mind shift with the way they approach and engage with persons with disabilities.

“Negative perceptions and biases remain one of the biggest barriers for true inclusion. This research study provides crucial insights into the actual state of accessibility for blind and visually impaired people and should be central to discussions on inclusion,” Leteane said.

“So, I hope that this study contributes towards expanding much-needed awareness on the importance of disability inclusion and promotes concrete actions towards improving accessibility for blind and visually impaired voters in the country.”