A group, TAF Africa has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for deploying assistive tools for persons with disabilities to vote in line with the Electoral Act as well as the overall experience of persons with disabilities during the Bayelsa State governorship election.
The founder of TAF Africa and convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria, Amb. Jake Epelle, stated this, yesterday, during a press conference at Ebitare Hotel in Yenagoa, on the level of participation of persons with disabilities in the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa State.
Represented by Mr Muyiwa Aderibigbe, Ambassador Epelle, said a team of 30 trained observers were deployed in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states particularly in polling units with the highest number of registered persons with disabilities.
He acknowledged the efforts of INEC in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs in the electoral process particularly in Bayelsa, adding that there was a notable improvement in the participation and overall experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the 2023 off-cycle election, in contrast to the general election held in February.
He said, “Our primary focus was evaluating the compliance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the deployment of assistive tools for persons with disabilities, access to priority voting in line with the electoral act as well as the overall experience of persons with disabilities at the polls. The specific assistive tools included the Braille ballot guide for the blind, large graphic posters for the deaf, and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism.”
Epelle further disclosed that the team of observers that were deployed uncovered certain challenges and incidents that require urgent attention and remedial action which include improved participation and overall experience of persons with disabilities, uneven assistive tool deployment and person with disabilities voter inducement.
He recommended that INEC should establish and enforce a standardized protocol for the adequate deployment of assistive tools, ensuring equitable distribution across all states and polling units with registered persons with disabilities during elections.
“We encourage continuous collaboration and engagement between INEC, political parties, security agencies, PWDs, and civil society organisations (CSOs). Regular consultations will facilitate the identification and resolution of challenges, promoting a more inclusive and accessible electoral process,” Epelle said.
