TAF Africa, a non-governmental organization, has partnered the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that people with disabilities are able to vote without any obstacles during the November 16 state governorship election in Ondo State.
TAF Africa highlighted the many challenges that PWDs face during elections, and emphasized the necessity for major stakeholders, such as INEC, to ensure that PWDs are able to both vote and run for election on the day.
Mr. Adeolu Kilanko, the Programme Manager of the organization, made this statement at a one-day Able2Vote and voter education event for physically challenged individuals in Ondo State on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
According to him, TAF Africa organized education for disabled individuals with the aid of 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 sensitize 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.
One of the 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 pointed out that TAF Africa had suggested solutions to INEC in light of the issues raised in the 2023 general elections, but complimented the commission for the improved election performance as stated in the 2023 electoral guide.
He urged people with disabilities to participate in the upcoming governorship election, revealing that the organization had applied for 50 disability observers, of which 20 were approved.
The Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, Mr. Abiodun Samuel, stated that voter education would be a significant aid in the prevention of disenfranchisement for his members. 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, who represented INEC at the event and is the Desk Officer for Gender/Inclusivity of the Commission, assured PWDs that INEC had made sufficient arrangements to make voting in the election easy.
She urged individuals with disabilities to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and guaranteed them that there were enough arrangements for hassle-free collection at specified locations. However, she advised against visiting the centres during peak hours.
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