Government is committed to ensuring that persons living with disabilities are not left out from the mainstream society, says Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The Attorney-General made this statement while launching the Elections Disability Access Working Group terms of reference at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.

He said the occasion was momentous.

“The reason why the signing of this ceremony here this afternoon is that the various organisations that represent and deal with persons with disabilities will have direct practical input as to how the Fijian Elections Office can actually improve their services to ensure that all persons with disabilities do get to vote,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

He said the 2013 Constitution was the first constitution in Fiji to include the rights of people living with disabilities under the Bill of Rights in the Constitution.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said it was part and partial of Government’s policy that we had an inclusive society.

He said the Constitution had been translated into braille, in the English and iTaukei language.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said translating the Constitution into the Hindi language was still underway.

Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, said they would provide secretariat services to these groups.

He said the process would be apolitical and independent.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also advised groups dealing with people living with disabilities to work with the Fijian Elections Office.

“At the end of the day, the Fijian Elections Office is here to ensure that your rights are protected as far as voters are concerned,” he said.

Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons spokesperson, Dr Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa, said he stood with humility and pride.

He said the physically and mentally challenged would be able to express themselves in a special way.

“This is a big milestone,” Dr Yanuyanutawa said.

 Edited by Nemani Delaibatiki

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