The Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Mr. LAM Woon-kwong, visited some polling stations today (15 May 2010) to inspect their accessibility for voters with disabilities.

Since April 2000, the EOC has been expressing its concern over the accessibility problem for some polling stations.

“To our considerable disappointment, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has made little progress since the last election. Even some of the newly selected polling venues are inaccessible to people with disabilities,” said Mr. LAM.

Based on the information provided by the REO, 68 out of the 516 polling stations are inaccessible to wheelchair users, amounting to about 14%. It is worth noting that 153 (about 30%) polling stations are located inside government premises, and 19 (12%) of them remain inaccessible; a decade after the problem has been raised.

“Nobody should be subject to discouragement to vote due to the absence of accessible facilities. People with disabilities should enjoy the same right to participate in political and public life as people without disabilities. The Government must take the lead to make their own premises accessible.” Mr. LAM emphasized.

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance states that it is unlawful for the Government to discriminate against a person with a disability in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers.

Mr. LAM said, “The Government has both moral and legal obligations to ensure polling stations are accessible to all voters including people with disabilities. The EOC urges the Government to formulate a firm action plan to ensure barriers-free voting before the next election is due,” Mr. LAM reiterated.

For media enquiry, please contact Ms. Mariana LAW at 2106-2226.

Equal Opportunities Commission
15 May 2010