Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): The Barriers and Measures for Inclusive Electoral Process By Abdulrahman Isah Abubakar abdul.edu.ing@gmail.com +2348144262701 Undergraduate Student Bayero University, Kano Nigeria Faculty of Education Department of Special Education Abstract The right of persons with disabilities to take part in the political system at all levels, specifically in the electoral process is of paramount importance. However, in many countries, governance systems or political systems in general are not inclusive, meaning that persons with disabilities are usually excluded from political participation on an equal basis with other non-disabled persons. In many cases, they are even denied the right to vote or to contest for elections as a result of stigmatization and stereotypes, legal or regulatory policy barriers as well as inaccessible facilities in the electoral or political process. Therefore, this article analyzed and discussed the barriers to political participation of PWDs, the measures for inclusive electoral process, and the role of key actors in promoting inclusion of PWDs in the electoral process. Keywords: Disability, Inclusion, Electoral Process, Political Participation, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). 1. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank estimates 15% of the world’s population (approximately one billion people) as having a disability. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are the world’s largest minority group, with disability rates steadily increasing due to an aging population, conflict, natural disasters, accidents, and a rise in chronic health conditions. The disability community remains largely excluded from political participation and is underrepresented in the political system. Institutional barriers, inaccessible facilities, stigma and