The Election Commission has reached a decision to facilitate voting for the visually impaired and hearing impaired community for the first time, during the upcoming Presidential Election.

Its chairman R.M.A.L Rathnayake said a special system is being implemented to provide a ballot paper in braille for the visually impaired.

He said facilities have been provided to inform the hearing-impaired people regarding the ballot paper using sign language.

Several pilot projects were implemented in the past and based on its success, these facilities will be provided for the Presidential Election.

Additionally he said special facilities will be provided to people with physical disabilities to access polling stations.

Rathnayake added that visually and hearing impaired voters at each polling station will be identified through the Grama Niladhari officials, and they will be provided with the necessary facilities.