Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy and essential to keeping governments accountable. But in many parts of the world the fundamental right to vote is denied to persons with disabilities. Today, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, here are two examples of how disabled persons' organizations are taking action to demand more say in their countries' politics.

Paraguay Takes Big Big Step Toward Enfranchisement of People with Disabilities

In recent years, countries in the “northern triangle” of Central America have confronted a startling increase in homicides, violence and insecurity due mainly to rising gang violence, drug trafficking and crime. Though governments in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are attempting to reduce violence and address its root causes, they often adopt separate policies rather than devising a single, unified approach for the region.

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a new technology to deter electoral fraud: an electronic reader for voter registration cards. It was presented to the public at INEC headquarters on Oct. 31 in the presence of local election monitoring and advocacy groups that will be key to promoting collaboration between civil society and the government, and ensuring that voters are not surprised by the new voting procedures on election day.