Quota for candidates with disability in the election

Elections are one of the mechanisms that ensure democracy in modern society, yet in practice it is difficult to select representatives who truly reflect the diversity of different groups. For specific groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, direct participation in political life is often hindered by cultural, economic, and educational factors. To address these shortcomings, the "quota" mechanism has been employed in various forms to enhance the representative presence of specific groups. International experience indicates that the quota mechanism can be divided into two broad categories: direct electoral quotas and general recruitment quotas. Within the direct electoral quota mechanism, three types can be distinguished: reserved seats, candidate quotas, and voluntary quotas. Each mechanism has its own advantages and limitations, and is suited to different specific contexts. Vietnam has also established electoral quota provisions for women and ethnic minorities, though they remain rudimentary, and no corresponding mechanism yet exists for persons with disabilities. This article clarifies the nature and feasibility of electoral quotas, while drawing upon international legal frameworks and the experiences of several countries to propose recommendations for Vietnam on incorporating a quota mechanism for persons with disabilities into its electoral legal system in the coming period.