PENERAPAN PEMENUHAN HAK MASYARAKAT DISABILITAS DALAM PEMILIHAN UMUM DI KABUPATEN PONOROGO

This study discusses the implementation of the fulfillment of political rights for people with disabilities in the implementation of the 2024 Election in Ponorogo Regency. The General Election Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of Ponorogo Regency have shown their commitment to realizing inclusive elections through various policies and facilities that support the political participation of people with disabilities. These efforts include the provision of assistive devices at Polling Stations (TPS), assistance by KPPS officers, and pick-up and drop-off services for voters with disabilities. However, this study found that implementation in the field still faces various obstacles, especially in the 3T (underdeveloped, outermost, and frontier) areas that have minimal facilities and accessibility. The difference in services between urban and rural areas shows the need for equal policies. Based on KPU data, there are 3,652 disabled voters in Ponorogo who are divided into various disability categories, and all of them have constitutional rights that must be protected. In an effort to ensure their participation, the KPU and Bawaslu also conducted training for officers and socialized political rights to people with disabilities. This study concludes that although there has been progress in the involvement of disabilities in elections, strengthening is still needed in terms of technical regulations, physical facilities, and political education in order to achieve fair, equal, and truly inclusive elections.

Keywords: political rights, people with disabilities, inclusive elections, KPU, Bawaslu, Ponorogo