To support the inclusion of voters with disabilities in a November 2015 election, the Union Election Commission of Myanmar, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement's Department of Social Welfare, and the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI) produced an engaging, educational video with the support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the United Kingdom's Department for International Development, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
(Music is playing. A man rings a bell.)
Computer: (In English) It’s 7:45 AM
Man: Oh my God.
Woman: What have you been reading about?
Man: Nothing! Just worrying about the general election which will be held today throughout the whole country. We are still trying for rehabilitation after the natural disaster which affected the whole country.
Woman: That’s why I am praying, to relieve my worries.
Young Woman: Mum and Dad, this matter won’t be accomplished just by worrying and praying. The best thing we need to do is to go and vote at the polling station right now.
Man: Right! It’s better to prioritize to vote than to merely worry.
Woman: The polling station is quite far from home. Is it okay, sweetheart?
Young Woman: Oh Mum! It is one of our civil rights. We have responsibility to use that right properly. Don’t worry. I have an appointment with friends. Just come quickly. I am leaving.
Woman: Oh go slowly, dear!
Man: Don’t worry. As our daughter said, let’s put our worries aside and let’s go to vote.
Woman: All right!
Manai: You are pretty late, Ms. Soe Moe.
Young Woman: Sorry, Manai. Just having a chit-chat with my parents.
Manai: What were you talking about?
Young Woman: I was explaining about the need to give priority to voting today.
Manai: Of course! You should explain it carefully. I just thought that you are beautifying yourself. Ha ha!
Young Woman: Oh, nonsense. Hey! We all are here on time. How diligent! Ms. Theint, you look unhappy. Aren’t you feeling well
Ms. Theint: I am fine. But Mr. Pyae...
Young Woman: What’s wrong with Mr. Pyae?
Ms. Theint: He said that it’s none of his business to vote?
Young Woman: Isn’t he free? The polling station will be open till 4:00 PM. Didn’t you explain to him carefully?
Ms. Theint: I did, but he is too stubborn. What can I say to him?
Young Woman: Well, we will go to him first.Then, we will go to polling station together.
(Mr. Pyae is playing the guitar and singing)
Young Woman: Mr. Pyae, what are you doing now?
Mr. Pyae: Don’t beat around the bush. Just get to the point.
Young Woman: We all are going to vote and have come to take you along.
Mr. Pyae: Just leave me alone. Go and vote yourselves.
Young Woman: Wait, Mr. Pyae. Only Myanmar citizens get the right to vote. Some can’t get this right in spite of residing in our country. Why don’t you want to vote? Aren’t you a Myanmar citizen?
Mr. Pyae: Yes, I am. But, what difference can make just by my ballot, when I am disabled. It will be the same condition when the time comes. I will also be just me. Isn’t it?
Young Woman: Mr. Pyae, give it a second thought. How hard our leaders have tried to get the equal right to vote as non- disabled! Now is time to start to develop the democratic nation as well as an inclusive and happy society with a ballot. It doesn’t matter if you are the only one who thinks like that. But, if most of us have such thoughts...Hmm! Do go and vote if you want to show your heartfelt ballot is precious for our democratic nation in spite of having impairments.
(Music plays)
Voiceover: Before voting, read and check the voter list and posters on how to vote that are hanging outside.
Poll Worker: I’d like to check whether there is any ink on your finger. As this voter is visually impaired, you will need a personal assistant.
Manai: This friend will help me. That’s okay.
Poll Worker: Show your voter registration card and get your ballot.
(Music plays)
Voiceover: First check your name in voter list of People’s Parliament. Then get the ballot for People’s Parliament. Show your voter registration card and get your ballot. First check your name in voter list of National Parliament. Then get the ballot for National Parliament.
Show your voter registration card and get your ballot. First check your name in voter list of State/Regional Parliament. Then get the ballot for State/Regional Parliament.
If you are in voter list of National Races, need to vote for 4th ballot. Show your voter registration card and get your ballot. First check your name in voter list of Parliament of National Races.Then get the ballot for Parliament of National Races.
After voting for all Parliaments, indelible ink will mark on your left little finger. This will remain for the period of 2 weeks without any harm. Then, you need to give your voter registration card back to person who mark with ink.
Encourage and support eligible voters with intellectual disabilities. One of their trustworthy family members or a polling officer should help them if needed.
For voters with hearing disabilities, help them with text, sign language or body gesture. Use face to face communication if lip-reading is available.
For convenience of all voters, including those who are disabled, set up slopes with 1ft height/10 feet length.
For the convenience of disabled voters, the entrance, exit and walkway of polling station need to be 3 feet wide at least.
For the convenience of wheelchair users, tables in ballot booths and on which ballot boxes are placed need to not higher than 3 feet.
Dear persons with disabilities, let’s involved and vote by ourselves!
-- End of transcript --