Mulankunnathukavu: Despite clear instructions from the Election Commission, a polling booth in Mulankunnathukavu failed to set up a wheelchair ramp, preventing a retired senior education officer from exercising her vote on Thursday.

AC Seena, retired Deputy Director of the Education Department, had to return without casting her ballot after officials failed to implement the Commission’s directive mandating accessible ramps for differently abled voters.

The incident occurred at Booth No. 1 of Aster LP School in Kolazhy panchayat. Seena, who has impaired mobility and uses a wheelchair, arrived at the polling station around 5 PM. However, with no ramp in place, her wheelchair could not be taken inside the booth. She waited in distress outside the school for some time, hoping officials would offer assistance, but no action was taken.

Left with no alternative, Seena returned home without exercising her franchise. She later said that she had emailed the Election Commission, highlighting the authorities’ failure to implement the mandatory accessibility guidelines for differently abled voters.