Since 2000, IFES has worked with disability organizations in eleven nations to train over 1,300 people with disabilities to serve as election monitors. This exercise contributes to election reform, as disabled citizens become knowledgeable of the election process, and become informed partners to election management bodies. In countries as diverse as Albania, El Salvador, and Ghana, disability groups have developed collaborative relationships and formal agreements with election commissions, resulting in specific reforms to the election process. For example, as a direct result of election monitoring exercises in Albania and El Salvador, election authorities have agreed to ground floor voting. In Ghana, the election authorities agreed to develop and pilot test a ballot guide for blind voters.
Election monitoring by disabled citizens can also lead to a change in public attitude about the rights and abilities of people with disabilities, and about their ability to play a positive role in shaping a democratic society.
For reports on election monitoring activities Timor-Leste, see: http://www.electionaccess.org/en/resources/voter-education/videos/430/ and in Indonesia, see: http://www.electionaccess.org/en/resources/publications/165/
