The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make voting venues accessible to persons with disabilities PWDs and provide more assistive devices for them during elections.
The Executive Director of the Organization, Grace Jerry, made the call on Wednesday at a media on post-elections report presentation.
She urged INEC to ensure that overpopulated polling units (PUs) are decongested for ease of implementing priority voting for PWDs in subsequent elections.
She said that this would promote better inclusion and ensure that PWDs continue to participate in the nation’s political system.
“INEC should ensure timely and effective deployment of PWDs assistive devices such as; the Braille ballot guide, For EC30E PWD, and magnifying glasses for all national and state elections.
“INEC should strengthen the training of regular and ad hoc staff to effectively administer assistive Election Day materials and accommodations for voters with disabilities,” she said.
She, however, expressed satisfaction with the increased participation of PWDs in the just concluded February elections.
Jerry noted that beyond participating as electorates, PWDs were also seen serving as party agents.
She further urged INEC to collaborate with other government agencies to ensure the provision of ramps and handrails outside and inside the polling units so that PWDs can cast their vote without any barriers.
“INEC should ensure timely and effective deployment of PWDs assistive materials such as Braille ballot guide, For EC30E PWD, and magnifying glass for all national and state elections.
“INEC should strengthen the training of regular and ad hoc staff to effectively administer assistive Election Day materials and accommodations for voters with disabilities,” she said.
She had earlier said during the pre-election observation report briefing that the IFA/Access Nigeria would deploy 250 PWDs election observers to complement assistive devices provided by INEC, to foster inclusivity and independent participation of PWDs at the polls.
