In a significant move aimed at fostering inclusivity and respect within the political discourse, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has released a comprehensive set of guidelines for political parties and their representatives. The guidelines are designed to encourage respectful language and behavior towards Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) during political campaigns and public statements, emphasizing the importance of equal participation in the electoral process.
The foundation of any democracy hinges on the representation of all communities, and accessible and inclusive elections are fundamental to this principle. Over the years, the ECI has been committed to ensuring the full participation of PwDs in the electoral process through various initiatives. However, recent instances of derogatory and offensive language used in political discourse about PwDs prompted the ECI to take a proactive stance on the issue.
Derogatory terms such as “dumb,” “retarded,” “blind,” “deaf,” and “lame” have been found in political speeches and campaigns, which not only belittle PwDs but also perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. The ECI stresses the need to avoid such language, as PwDs deserve justice and respect in the political arena.
Key highlights of the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India are as follows:
- Political parties and their representatives are prohibited from using derogatory or insulting references to disability or PwDs in public statements, speeches, writings, articles, outreach material, or political campaigns.
- The use of disability-related terms in the context of human incapacity is strictly discouraged in public speeches, writings, articles, or political campaigns.
- Comments related to disabilities or PwDs that may be offensive or reinforce stereotypes and prejudices are to be avoided at all costs.
- Any violation of these guidelines may lead to provisions under Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
- All campaign materials, including speeches, social media posts, advertisements, and press releases, must undergo internal review processes within political parties to identify and rectify instances of ableist language.
- Political parties must declare on their websites their commitment to using disability and gender-sensitive language while respecting inherent human equality, equity, dignity, and autonomy.
- The use of rights-based terminology as outlined in the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is encouraged.
- Public speeches, campaigns, activities, and events organized by political parties should be accessible to all citizens.
- Political parties should make their websites and social media content digitally accessible to facilitate interaction with PwDs.
- A training module on disability should be provided to party workers at all levels of the political process, and a nodal authority should be appointed to address complaints related to the use of ableist language.
- Efforts should be made to include more PwDs as members and party workers to break down attitudinal barriers and provide equal opportunities.
