The Albino Foundation Africa (TAF Africa) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), to fulfil its promise to the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by adequately deploying assistive tools in the March 11 governorship elections.
Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Mr Jake Epelle, made the call on Wednesday while presenting the Post Election report on the participation of PWDs in the just concluded presidential and National Assembly Elections.
Mr Epelle said the deployment the tools would help restore confidence of the disability community in the electoral process prevent the lacuna witnessed by PWDs in last week election,
“INEC was expected to provide 21,165 magnifying glasses at 16,071 Polling units for persons with albinism and minor visual impairment, 6,167 posters at 5,085 PUs for those with hearing impairment, and 8,117 braille ballot guides at 5,957 PUs for the visually impaired”.
“Unfortunately, these expectations were not totally met and it successfully frustrated the participation of PWDs in the elections” Epelle said.
Inclusive Friends Association IFA.
Meanwhile, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, to make voting venues accessible to PWDs and provide more assistive devices, during elections.
The Executive Director of the Organization, Grace Jerry in a Media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, urged INEC to ensure that overpopulated PUs are decongested for ease of implementing priority voting for PWDs in subsequent elections.
She maintained that it 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 added
She expressed satisfaction with the increased participation of Person’s With Disabilities PWDs in the just concluded 2023 general elections.
Reporting by Julian Osamoto; Editing by Tony Okerafor