TAF Africa has acknowledged the efforts made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for People With Disability (PWDs) in the electoral process.
Amb. Jake Epelle, CEO/Founder, TAF Africa and Convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria, made this known in a post on Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa governorship election.
According to the Convener, they uncovered certain challenges and incidents that require urgent attention and remedial action.
“Despite the progress, there was uneven deployment of assistive tools across the observed states. Bayelsa state recorded the highest percentage of deployment at 61% based on the 30 selected polling units, while Kogi and Imo state experienced low deployment at 36% and 33% respectively, raising concerns about the consistency of INEC’s implementation of disability-inclusive measures.
“TAF Africa notes with concern the recorded incident of PWD voter inducement in the off-cycle states. For instance, in St. Luke Sec school, Agudama Epie polling unit, Epie ward 1, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa state, some party agents engaged in vote buying, thereby causing chaos and disorderliness in the polling unit. This challenges the integrity of the electoral process and emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement of electoral laws to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.”
TAF Africa therefore recommends that INEC establishes and enforce a standardized protocol for the adequate deployment of assistive tools, ensuring equitable distribution across all states and polling units with registered persons with disabilities during elections.
It noted that this will contribute to a more consistent and inclusive electoral process, enhanced security measures considering the security incidents in Imo and Kogi states, “we urge security agencies to enhance security measures to prevent and respond swiftly to incidents that threaten the safety of voters.”
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