Braille-based MEVM: Event for education PWDs on voting held

An event for educating people with disabilities on voting and providing hands-on practice with the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine (MEVM) was held in the main meeting hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in Nay Pyi Taw on August 20.

Union Minister Dr. Soe Win attended and delivered an opening speech. In his speech, Union Minister Dr. Soe Win said that, according to the Disability Rights Law, every person with a disability who is eligible to vote has the right to cast a secret ballot for any legislative body and has the right to be elected.

He noted that the Union Election Commission's innovation of a Braille-based MEVM for visually impaired voters is a step toward an inclusive election. He also explained that people with disabilities including those who are visually impaired but cannot read Braille, those with physical disabilities, and those with hearing impairments can vote independently or, if needed, with the assistance of a person they choose.

He expressed his gratitude on behalf of people with disabilities for this effort, which he said will demonstrate Myanmar's commitment to creating an "All-Inclusive Society" to the international community. He encouraged all eligible voters with disabilities to actively participate in the upcoming multi-party democratic general election, and urged the attendees, including representatives from the Myanmar National Federation of Persons with Disabilities, to provide their support and cooperation.

Following the speech, U Aung Lwin Oo, a member of the Union Election Commission, explained why the MEVM is being used in the general election. An official then gave a PowerPoint presentation on the machine. After the presentations, people with disabilities were given the opportunity to practice voting with the MEVMs. The use of these machines will allow people with disabilities to cast a secret ballot without the help of another person.