NGO partners INEC to tackle voting barriers for people with disabilities

A Non-Governmental Organisation, TAF Africa, has announced its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that people with disabilities can vote without hindrance in the November 16 state governorship election.

TAF Africa, which highlighted the numerous challenges PWDs face during elections, emphasised the need for major stakeholders, especially INEC, to ensure that PWDs can both vote and stand for election on the day.

Mr Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Manager of the organisation, made this statement at a one-day Able2Vote and voter education event for physically challenged individuals in Ondo State on Wednesday.

According to him, the education for PWDs was organised by TAF Africa with support from the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria.

He said, “As we are aware, the governorship election in Ondo state is scheduled for November 16, 2024. We are here to sensitise PWDs on the conduct they need to observe to enable them to participate seamlessly in the upcoming election.

“We also aim to educate them on relevant laws and legal frameworks in Nigeria that guarantee the active participation of PWDs in elections. Many challenges faced by PWDs include lack of access to polling booths placed at elevated positions. It becomes difficult for someone in a wheelchair to access such polling units if no provisions are made.

“For persons with albinism, they struggle to see the print on ballot papers. Therefore, there is a need for INEC to provide magnifying glasses to ensure their active participation.”

Kilanko noted that TAF Africa had recommended solutions to INEC based on issues recorded in the 2023 general election but commended the commission for the improved conduct of elections as outlined in the 2023 electoral guide.

He encouraged PWDs to come out and vote in the upcoming governorship election, revealing that the organisation had applied for 50 disability observers, of which 20 were approved.

Mr Abiodun Samuel, Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, stated that the voter education would significantly help their members avoid disenfranchisement. He also called on INEC for improved accessibility to election materials for PWDs to enable them to exercise their civic rights during the forthcoming poll.

Mrs Ngozi Edet, representing INEC at the event and Desk Officer for Gender/Inclusivity of the commission, reassured PWDs that INEC had made adequate provisions to facilitate their voting in the election.

She encouraged PWDs to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and assured them that there were sufficient arrangements for easy collection at designated centres. However, she advised against visiting the centres during peak hours.