Protection of the Political Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Timor-Leste

Abstract

The protection of political rights for persons with disabilities during general elections has not been implemented as it should be. There remains a societal debate regarding the facilities and access provided by the government to enable persons with disabilities to exercise their voting rights in elections. The state, through the government and the national parliament, has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Constitution of the Republic guarantees citizens the right to participate in political life and specifically ensures the equality of rights and obligations for persons with disabilities. This study is a normative juridical research using secondary data as the main source, including books, journals, previous research results, and legislation. The secondary data were analyzed qualitatively and normatively. There are obstacles faced by persons with disabilities when exercising their voting rights in elections.