Ondo guber: Deploy assistive device for PWD voters, NGO tells INEC

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy assistive devices for voters with disabilities in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

Speaking at a press conference in Akure, the state capital, the Director of Programmes at IFA, Molly Joshua, advocated for a seamless process to enable persons with disabilities (PWDs) to vote in Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Joshua, who made the call during the organization’s pre-election press conference, tasked INEC with ensuring that polling units are accessible to PWDs by selecting venues with flat surfaces.

He emphasized that priority should be given to PWDs by allowing them to vote upon arrival at polling units. He also advocated for braille ballot guides to be available and classified as sensitive materials.

He said, “INEC should ensure polling units are accessible by choosing flat, barrier-free venues. The commission should mandate polling officials to complete the Persons with Disabilities Form EC40H to collect essential data, aiding future planning and cost-efficiency.

“INEC should implement priority voting for Persons with Disabilities upon their arrival at polling units and classify the Braille ballot guide as a sensitive material to ensure its deployment, timely availability, and proper usage by polling officials.

“We call on the commission to maintain strong coordination with security agencies and prominently post Form EC30E PWD Election Day instructions at polling units in visible areas to facilitate efficient use of the form.

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“INEC should position ballot boxes to allow Persons with Disabilities to cast votes independently and sustain engagement with the PWD community, IFA, and relevant organizations to enhance accessibility.

“INEC should also collaborate with IFA to update voter data for Persons with Disabilities, actively recruit qualified PWDs as staff and ad-hoc personnel, and provide training for INEC staff on the effective use of assistive materials.”

Joshua added that the NGO, with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), encouraged the electoral body to address stigma and stereotypes that undermine the participation of PWDs in elections.

He expressed the determination of persons with disabilities to participate in the country’s electoral and political processes, provided there is an enabling environment.

IFA is a non-partisan organization that uses data to address inclusion and participation challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria.