Accessibility Conferences: Understanding inclusion throughout the electoral cycle, from the pre-election period to the campaign and election day, to post-election processes
INFONET Alliance announces a new event as part of the Accessibility Conferences, part of the Capacity-Building Program for Persons with Disabilities for participation in the 2027 General Local Elections.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the conference “Understanding inclusion throughout the electoral cycle, from the pre-election period to the campaign and election day, to post-election processes” will take place.
The presentation will be delivered by Meredith Applegate, who has 15 years of experience in electoral assistance and democracy programs in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa. She has worked with election management bodies, civil society organizations, and government institutions to promote inclusive electoral processes, civic engagement, and gender equality. Throughout her career, she has supported the political participation of marginalized communities, including women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and youth, publishing numerous works on various topics — from gender equality in elections to inclusive electoral technology for persons with disabilities.
The expert will cover the following areas:
- Mapping the entire electoral cycle: participants will go through all eight stages of elections, from legal frameworks and voter registration to election day and post-election review, as well as where inclusion needs to be integrated into each of them.
- Identifying people facing barriers to participation: a session mapping the groups most often excluded from elections, including persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychosocial disabilities.
- Global best practices: including tactile ballots, accessible polling stations, and reforms.
- Concrete tools for stakeholders: practical guidance for election officials, political parties, the media, and civil society on removing barriers to the participation of voters and candidates.
The conference will be held online. Participation is free, and everyone interested is invited to join the event on the Zoom platform: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83318014892?pwd=ITTymVFEUVQs28JZjAbKqwhu5ao4qX.1
Through this civic and political capacity-building and training program for persons with disabilities, INFONET Alliance aims to contribute to strengthening local democracy and promoting social inclusion in the Republic of Moldova, by:
• addressing systemic barriers and inequities;
• promoting a proactive attitude among persons with disabilities;
• encouraging the transition from voter status to active participant and candidate in electoral processes;
• strengthening participatory democracy at the local level;
• deepening knowledge of rights and developing a connection with national inclusion policies.
The capacity-building program will include a series of online events in the “Accessibility Conferences” series, and starting this autumn will continue with a series of in-person training sessions. The program is intended primarily for persons with disabilities and their family members, and is open to all those interested in promoting inclusive civic and political participation.
For more information: Victor Koroli, Executive Director, INFONET Alliance +373 69252453, vkoroli@gmail.com
This activity takes place as part of the campaign organized by the INFONET Alliance “Equal Access for All”, with the support of the project “Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Moldova”, implemented by UNDP Moldova and funded by Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.