Operating Environment In some countries, there is a genuine fear of retribution from the government for talking about political rights. This issue does not have to be specific to disability rights and can also apply to political rights more broadly. Disability rights programming is considered neutral, but international donors and implementing organizations should allow additional time for recruiting partners in countries where discussion of human rights is more challenging. Mandatory Voting Some countries have legislation requiring mandatory voting for all citizens. Due to inaccessible transportation, polling sites and information, sometimes countries with mandatory voting exempts citizens with disabilities and/or older persons from this provision. In 2011, the EMB in Peru took more than 20,000 persons with intellectual disabilities off the voter list. The EMB assumed they would not vote because of their disability. The EMB believed this was a helpful step, removing them from the voter list meant they would not have to pay a fine if they did not vote. However, this process was conducted without consultation of persons with intellectual disabilities, and the policy was not publicized. This resulted in voters turning up on Election Day, only to discover they were unable to vote, as their name had been removed from the list. EMBs unable to meet their CRPD obligations should exempt persons with disabilities and/or older persons who are not able to access the polling station from mandatory voting requirements and associated penalties. However, any policy allowing an exemption from penalties should not be considered a substitute for making the electoral process accessible. DPOs and other civil society actors should continually monitor the steps the EMB is taking to make the electoral process accessible and advocate for full inclusion of all citizens. Leadership Persons with disabilities should not just be the subject of aid programs, but also active participants and leaders in their governments. It is difficult to convince EMBs, NGOs and political parties to hire persons with disabilities. It can sometimes also be difficult to find persons with disabilities ‒ and women in particular ‒ with the confidence and knowledge required to take leadership positions. Increased support of leadership training programs, such as Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections51 (BRIDGE) can help overcome this challenge Women with and without disabilities participate in a leadership training in and develop strong leaders with Cambodia. disabilities. 51 Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections. <http://bridge-project.org/>. 64 International Foundation for Electoral Systems and National Democratic Institute