In a groundbreaking move, the Election Commission (EC) has issued guidelines to political parties, urging them to use disability and gender-sensitive language. Political parties are advised to refrain from using derogatory references to persons with disabilities (PwD) in public speeches, campaigns, and writings. Examples of ableist language highlighted in the advisory include words like “dumb” (gunga), “retarded” (pagal, sirphira), “blind” (andha, kana), “deaf” (behra), and “lame” (langda, lula, apahij).
The EC emphasised the need to avoid such derogatory language, stating, “PwDs have to be accorded justice and respect in political discourse and campaigns.”
The advisory cautioned that any usage of derogatory language or insults directed at PwDs may attract provisions of Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The EC appealed to political parties and their candidates to abide by the guidelines in both letter and spirit, recognising their role as important stakeholders in the electoral process.
For the first time, the Commission has issued a set of guidelines to promote inclusivity and respect in political discourse toward the PwD community. The EC is consciously striving to promote the principles of accessibility and inclusivity in elections through various initiatives.
In an advisory issued to parties, the poll panel highlighted that the foundation of democracy lies in the representation of all communities in the electoral process. It expressed concern about the use of derogatory or offensive language in political discourse about PwDs and warned that such language could be interpreted as an affront to the PwDs.
Political parties and their representatives were advised not to use disability-related terms in the context of “human incapacity” and to avoid comments that may be offensive or perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices. The EC stressed that any use of such language would attract punishments under the RPD Act.
The guidelines also recommended that political parties include more PwDs at various levels, such as members and party workers, to overcome attitudinal barriers. It urged all campaign materials, including speeches, social media posts, advertisements, and press releases, to undergo an internal review process within the political party to identify and rectify any instances of ableist language.
Additionally, political parties were advised to declare on their websites that they will use disability- and gender-sensitive language and etiquette, respecting inherent human equality, equity, dignity, and autonomy. The EC suggested using rights-based terminologies mentioned in the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and making all public speeches, campaigns, activities, and events accessible for all citizens.
The EC also recommended providing a training module on disability for party workers at all levels of the political process and appointing a nodal authority to address complaints from PwDs regarding the usage of ableist language.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has consistently emphasised the abilities of PwDs, stating that they possess faculties that are often better than those without disabilities. He reiterated the commitment of the EC to embed the concept and practice of accessibility in all its processes and functioning. According to CEC Kumar, the real challenge is not the disability itself but developing the right attitude towards it, ensuring the system is sensitised to the needs of all individuals.
