Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31192/np.16.2.2
Voting of people with intellectual disabilities in the context of fundamental human values
Aleksandra Gvozdanović Debeljak
orcid.org/0000-0001-9348-4371
; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Borko Baraban
orcid.org/0000-0002-7908-028X
; Department of Cultural Studies, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Robert Lovrić
; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to show the level of awareness of people with intellectual disabilities on political elections and to describe the reasons, ways and expectations for which persons with intellectual disabilities do (not) vote. The sample is a heterogeneous group of ten persons with intellectual disabilities from the Inclusion Centre Osijek aged from 28 to 65. Interview (semi-structured interview) has been used as a research method. The interviews took place on the Centre’s premises. The participants responded to three basic questions, as well as to sub-questions asked by the interviewers. Research data have been shown at a qualitative level. The interview results point to inadequate awareness of the respondents on political elections, resulting in the lack of awareness of the respondents on the purpose of political elections and the functionality of voting participation. Also, the voter turnout is low and, consequently, there is an inadequate use of their voting rights in terms of political participation as disabled persons. Realization of rights of persons with disabilities must not depend on the (non)readiness of the system or the will of individuals but must be the primary goal of inclusive policy and society in general.
Keywords
elections; people with disabilities; voting; political participation
Hrčak ID:
203367
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2018.
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