Italy and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed agreement to facilitate and promote the participation of youth and persons with disabilities in Libya’s electoral process through the High National Elections Commission (HNEC).
With one million USD committed by Rome, UNDP and HNEC will ensure inclusivity for the two groups often under-represented in electoral processes. This will include using sign language call systems to enable the employment of people who are hard of hearing as electoral staff and voters and the purchase of Braille printers to engage those who are visually impaired, particularly on election day.
“Elections are associated with peace because they include everyone. Everyone has a voice, everyone has a right – and everyone has a responsibility,” said Italian Ambassador Gianluca Alberini.
UNDP Resident Representative, Christopher Laker, explained that “leaving no one behind is central to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Not only does this mean including those who have typically been excluded, but actively involving them in decision making and creating the positive changes that will transform their nation’s future.”