2009
IRIN
BEIRUT, 10 March 2009 (IRIN) - The last time Danny Abu Haidar participated in Lebanon’s democratic process, the experience left him feeling unable to vote independently.
But it was not political bribery or sectarian pressures that affected Haidar on the day of the 2007 Beirut by-election, but the simple, practical matter of physical access.
“When I arrived at the polling station I was not allowed to park my car outside,” said Haidar, a wheelchair user. “I had to park my car 150 metres away and then get people to assist me to the polling station.”
On arriving to cast his vote, Haidar discovered the polling station was on the second floor of the building, meaning he needed two men to carry him and his wheelchair up the stairs.
But it was not political bribery or sectarian pressures that affected Haidar on the day of the 2007 Beirut by-election, but the simple, practical matter of physical access.
“When I arrived at the polling station I was not allowed to park my car outside,” said Haidar, a wheelchair user. “I had to park my car 150 metres away and then get people to assist me to the polling station.”
On arriving to cast his vote, Haidar discovered the polling station was on the second floor of the building, meaning he needed two men to carry him and his wheelchair up the stairs.