TAF Africa Partners with INEC to Empower Voters with Disabilities Ahead of Ondo Governorship Election....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A non-governmental organization, TAF Africa, has announced its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that individuals with disabilities can vote without hindrance in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024.

TAF Africa highlighted the significant challenges faced by people with disabilities (PWDs) during elections, emphasizing the need for major stakeholders, particularly INEC, to facilitate an inclusive voting process that allows PWDs to vote and stand for election on election day.

During a one-day Able2Vote and voter education event for individuals with disabilities held in Ondo State, Mr. Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Manager of TAF Africa, addressed the issues affecting PWDs in the electoral process. The event received support from the European Union’s initiative for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Kilanko stated, “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.”

He pointed out several challenges that PWDs encounter, such as the inaccessibility of polling booths located at elevated positions. This creates obstacles for individuals in wheelchairs who struggle to access these polling units. Kilanko also mentioned that individuals with albinism face difficulties reading the print on ballot papers, stressing the importance of providing magnifying glasses to facilitate their participation.

TAF Africa has recommended solutions to INEC based on challenges identified during the 2023 general elections, acknowledging the commission’s improved election conduct as outlined in the 2023 electoral guide.

Encouraging PWDs to participate actively in the upcoming governorship election, Kilanko revealed that the organization 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, emphasized the significance of voter education in helping their members avoid disenfranchisement. He urged INEC to enhance accessibility to election materials for PWDs, enabling them to exercise their civic rights during the election.

Mrs. Ngozi Edet, who represented INEC at the event as the Desk Officer for Gender/Inclusivity, reassured PWDs that the commission had made adequate provisions to facilitate their voting experience. She encouraged PWDs to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and informed them of sufficient arrangements for easy collection at designated centers. However, she advised against visiting these centers during peak hours to avoid long queues.