In this election, people with disabilities are looking for concrete commitments rather than emotional speeches.
People with disabilities have demanded that their rights and entitlements be ensured after the February 21 House of Representatives elections. They said they are looking for a candidate who will fulfill their demands. They complain that although there was a debate on infrastructure, education, health and employment issues in the election, there was no discussion on the livelihood and problems of people with disabilities. They said that the election is not only a representative selection process for people with disabilities but also an opportunity to raise their voice to the policy-making level. People living with physical, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities are not only looking for sympathy but also for equal rights. They share the view that only candidates who ensure accessible physical infrastructure, inclusive education, employment, health services and social security should be supported. The failure to implement past election promises in practice has increased frustration among such communities. ‘We have heard a lot about doing something for differently abled people like us,’ said Ganesh Bahadur Air of Amargadhi-1 Beta, ‘but no concrete work has been done. Even if something is done for others, people with disabilities have always been left behind.’ According to Janaki Chand of Ajaymeru Rural Municipality-3, the candidates who go door-to-door to seek votes should come up with a clear plan to solve the problems of the disabled and backward communities. ‘The votes we have given should be put to good use,’ she said, ‘People with disabilities should be brought into the mainstream of development and opportunities.’
Khagendra Pathak of Amargadhi-5 Silingdhara complained that they are facing difficulties in their daily lives. ‘People with disabilities have to face contempt in various places,’ he said, ‘Despite the provision of 50 percent discount in public transport, many vehicle owners do not try to accommodate disabled passengers.’ He said that candidates with the ability to solve such problems are needed.’
Disability community organizations are also cautious about the commitments of the parties. According to Rajendra Prasad Pant, District Chairman of the District Disabled Welfare Service Committee, although the parties claim to include disabled people in their manifestos, the implementation aspect seems weak. ‘Plans come for other citizens, but it does not seem like that for disabled people,’ he said, ‘Like other citizens, disabled people also have the responsibility to enjoy human rights.’
This time, 13 candidates, including three independents, have filed their candidacies in Dadeldhura, which has only one constituency. There are about 4,164 people with disabilities in the district. In this election, people with disabilities are looking for concrete commitments rather than emotional speeches. They say they are looking for candidates who will ensure their rights, take the initiative for policy reforms, and practice inclusive democracy.
