For Immediate Release
Press Release
Majuro – The United States Government, through USAID, is partnering with local electoral authorities in the RMI to increase accessibility for Marshallese with disabilities.
Supporting the RMI government’s commitment to inclusive elections, USAID’s Promoting Just, Engaged, Civic-minded Transparent (PROJECT) Governance, co-hosted a two-day post-election workshop at the International Conference Center, alongside the RMI Electoral Administration, Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs’ Disability Office, and the Marshall Islands Organization of Persons with Disabilities.
Participants reviewed findings from the RMI Rapid Disability Survey, which shed light on voter access needs of Marshallese living with disabilities and assessed their participation in the recent elections.
US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Lance Posey delivered opening remarks. “With a focus on collaborative efforts, the US government — through USAID — is fostering dialogue between stakeholders and government representatives to encourage the formulation of strategies that will promote inclusiveness in the electoral process,” said Posey. The United States is optimistic that the new Election Disability Access Working Group will advance strategies that make the polls more accessible to all voters.
“While the survey primarily focused on the voting experience of individuals with disabilities, it also incorporated components that can contribute to the reinforcement of disability rights and full participation in the electoral process,” he said.
The data collected through this survey has value that will endure through future elections and the United States is committed to initiatives that promote and ensure equal access to democratic institutions and processes.
USAID’s PROJECT Governance partnership with RMI stakeholder groups “can have long-term benefits for promoting inclusivity and accessibility, even beyond the electoral process,” said Posey.
Also speaking at the workshop opening were Human Rights Officer Ranjesh Prakash and Communication and Visibility Officer Kalpana Nizarat, both of USAID’s PROJECT Governance, Director of Operations from Fiji’s Elections Office Anaseini Seinimoli, Secretary Brenda Alik; and Manager of the Disability Coordination Office Janet Schmidt.