International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES organized the construction of wheelchair ramps in nine Armenian polling sites with USAID funds. This ramp was built in Gyumri, a city with many citizens who were injured by an earthquake in 1988.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Paros President Suren Ohanyan and IFES Chief of Party Chedomir Flego discuss their next steps for enfranchising all Armenians including introducing tactile ballot guides and disabled election observers.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Staff from USAID, IFES, Pyunik, Paros and Lusastgh Charity Union mark their successful partnership on the wheelchair project with a photo.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Godfrey wheels Nikoghosian up the newly-built ramp. Many polling sites in Armenia are unaccessible for voters with disabilities, despite constitutional guarantees of equal voting rights.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Godfrey and Pyunik President Armine Nikoghosian officially open the wheelchair ramp with a ribbon cutting.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Anthony Godfrey takes part in a traditional welcome ceremony known as 'Khleb da sol' or bread and salt.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Gyumri citizens turned out to watch the ceremony despite rainy weather. IFES worked closely with local nongovermental organizations Paros and Pyunik to install the ramps.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Anthony F. Godfrey arrives at a polling site in a secondary school to lead a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new wheelchair ramp.