Voters with disabilities are no longer a passive audience in the democratic process.

As Delhi approaches its elections, the recent Haryana Assembly Elections offer a critical lesson for political strategists, policymakers, and leaders alike: voters with disabilities are no longer a passive audience in the democratic process, they are an active and influential demographic capable of shaping electoral outcomes.
We at NCPEDP demand that political parties recognise the transformative potential of engaging meaningfully with this often-overlooked constituency. Disabled people are not merely recipients of social welfare or symbols of inspiration, they are critical stakeholders in democracy.

For Delhi, the path forward lies in acknowledging voters with disabilities as a distinct and decisive demographic. This means moving beyond token gestures and focusing on structural inclusion through policies and programs that address the systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities;  whether in education, employment, accessibility, or healthcare. 

Recognising disabled voters as a core voter base, is a sound electoral strategy more than a matter of ethical governance. In fact, elections, irrespective of state, present an opportunity to recalibrate political priorities and demonstrate that democracy works best when it includes all voices.

#DisabilityInclusion #PoliticalParticipation