with disabilities can obtain in order to exercise their right to vote. In particular, they listed a number of alternative ways of voting, such as postal voting or voting at special polling stations, that have been developed and implemented to facilitate the political participation of persons with disabilities. 74. The appropriateness of these measures should always be assessed against the general obligation to include persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and to promote their independence, autonomy and dignity. Alternative ways of voting should only be used in cases where it is not possible, or it is extremely difficult, for persons with disabilities to vote in polling stations, like everyone else. General reliance on voting assistance and alternative voting as a way to ensure the political participation of persons with disabilities would not be consistent with the general obligations undertaken by States parties under articles 4 and 29 of the Convention. November 2012 – Bali Commitments on Equal Access to Elections71 We, members of election management bodies, disabled people’s and civil society organizations, international organizations and institutions, and representatives from academia, recognize that persons with disabilities are frequently excluded from the political lives of their countries and commit to take steps to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible. We reaffirm the rights and principles proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We demand the right to participate in free, fair and accessible elections and vote by secret ballot. This right applies equally to all citizens, including those with physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial disabilities. We recognize that each country in Southeast Asia experiences unique barriers. We reiterate the commitment made by ASEAN member states in Article 7 of the Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of the Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community. We each resolve to eliminate all forms of discrimination towards the full and equal political participation of persons with disabilities. Acknowledging these obligations, we hereby agree to work together to ensure persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to: 1. Secure national identification cards and register to vote* 2. Equal recognition in the election law Annex 3. Receive civic and voter education and political party platforms in accessible formats, such as sign language, Braille, audio, large print, pictorial and easy-to-read 4. Reasonable accommodations such as assistance in the voting booth, tactile ballot guides, low voting booths, magnifying glasses and large grip pens 5. Accessible infrastructure such as ramps and building layouts that allow for easy maneuver by those who use assistive devices 71 “Bali Commitments on Equal Access to Elections.” International Foundation for Electoral Systems. <http:// www.IFES.org/Content/Publications/Articles/2012/~/media/Files/Publications/International Standards/2012/Bali Commitments on Equal Access to Elections_Nov 2012.pdf>. Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes 83