chairman of stichting Wan Okasi, told Times of Suriname. The judge also ruled that the government must cover all of the legal costs which the foundation which protects the rights of people with a disability had paid from the moment it had filed the lawsuit. Koendjbiharie explained that the parties could not reach a settlement which is why the judge announced a verdict last Tuesday. The foundation filed the lawsuit based on Article  27 of the Election Rules which states that people with a disability must be escorted into the polling booth by somebody that they trust and a representative of the polling station. The representative of the polling station would then color the ballot for the person with a disability while the ‘confidant’ must make sure that the wishes of the voter with a disability are carried out.

Stichting Wan Okasi made it clear that the article in question violated the right to cast votes freely and confidentially and that this right is guaranteed in the constitution and international human rights treaties. “The state must create circumstances so that people with a disability can vote without interference from third parties,” said  Koendjbiharie who added that the situation was made worst by adding a third person which was basically a violation of the fundamental rights to vote freely. The chairman pointed out that the state had failed to consult the foundation before making the changes. “I am glad that the judge ruled in our favor.”