This paper addresses the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the political body, using the concept of autonomy as a framework to examine their access to political rights. Traditionally, autonomy has been considered a prerequisite for political participation, yet its multifaceted nature—including cognitive competence, external conditions, and moral or value dimensions—raises critical questions about its applicability in the context of ID. By drawing on theoretical perspectives (Feinberg 1989; Raz 1989) and empirical studies, this study proposes a typology of autonomy encompassing aptitude, external conditions, values, and rights. The paper critically examines whether the first three dimensions can justify restricting access to the fourth—political rights—and concludes that such exclusion is unjustifiable. By challenging the use of autonomy as a barrier to political rights, the analysis emphasizes the importance of specific supportive measures, such as accessible information and participatory opportunities, to foster meaningful political inclusion for individuals with ID.
