By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)
have been assured of total inclusivity in the 2023 general elections just as a call has gone to the proprietors of schools and owners of facilities used during elections to provide facilities such as ramps for citizens in wheelchairs.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja, at a workshop organized by the Albino Foundation to encourage the mainstreaming of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process.
Prof. Yakubu said the Commission was working on data gathering to better enhance inclusion of PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the country during the forthcoming general election.
The INEC boss cited the recently conducted Osun State Governorship elections where INEC used some of the PWDs as adhoc staff, describing it as a step in the right direction.
He also said that one of the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 is the specific provision on the participation of PWDs in the electoral process.
Section 54 provides for assistive and inclusive devices which in a sense has codified some of the initiatives already undertaken by the Commission.
He disclosed that the introduction of assistive devices such as the Braille ballot guide, magnifying glasses and posters for the deaf were all products of our engagement with the disability community.
Said he: “In implementing the provisions of Sec. 54 of the Electoral Act 2022, we will continue to engage with the disability community without which the Commission cannot provide the appropriate interventions needed to facilitate their full participation in the electoral process”.
On the accessibility to voting and collation locations for PWDs, he said: “We will continue to engage with proprietors of schools and owners of facilities used during elections to provide facilities such as ramps for citizens in wheelchairs”.
Said he: “Most of the facilities are public schools. I therefore call on the Governments as well as proprietors and service providers across the country to ensure PWD access to all facilities not just for the purpose of elections but as a matter of responsibility”.
“Wherever they are, PWDs should have unimpeded access to all facilities for education, health care etc. I must add that it does not take much to do so”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle applauded INEC for establishing a disability desk to cater for the needs of persons living with disabilities”.
