Paul Akomolehin, South West
DAILY COURIER - As the Ondo State governorship election approaches on Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement measures that would make the voting process easier and more inclusive for PWDs.
Speaking in Akure, Ondo State's capital, on Wednesday, IFA’s Director of Programmes, Molly Joshua, highlighted several ways INEC could enhance accessibility and inclusion at polling units to ensure that persons with disabilities can vote independently and without unnecessary obstacles.
Joshua emphasized the importance of selecting polling venues with flat, barrier-free surfaces to accommodate voters with mobility challenges. He also called for the introduction of priority voting for PWDs, allowing them to vote upon arrival at polling units rather than waiting in line, which can be a significant challenge for individuals with various disabilities.
"INEC should ensure polling units are accessible by choosing flat, barrier-free venues," Joshua stated. "The commission should mandate polling officials to fill out Persons with Disabilities Form EC40H to collect vital data, aiding future planning and cost-efficiency."
A key recommendation made by IFA includes the classification and distribution of Braille ballot guides as sensitive materials. By classifying these guides as sensitive, Joshua explained, INEC could ensure that the guides are available promptly on Election Day, enabling visually impaired voters to cast their ballots independently.
Additionally, Joshua called on INEC to position ballot boxes in ways that would allow PWDs to cast their votes without assistance, thereby preserving their voting privacy. He also highlighted the need for strong coordination with security agencies to ensure the safety of PWDs during the voting process. Form EC30E, which provides Election Day instructions for PWDs, should be prominently displayed at polling units to guide PWDs effectively, he added.
"INEC should position ballot boxes to allow Persons with Disabilities to cast votes independently and sustain engagement with the Persons with Disabilities community, IFA, and relevant organizations to enhance accessibility," Joshua stated.
To further improve accessibility, IFA urged INEC to collaborate with them to update the database of voters with disabilities, a measure that would allow for better planning in future elections. The organization also recommended that INEC actively recruit qualified PWDs as election staff and ad-hoc personnel, and that all staff be trained in the use of assistive materials to better support PWDs during the election.
Joshua concluded by expressing the determination of persons with disabilities to fully participate in Nigeria’s electoral and political processes, stressing that an enabling environment is crucial to making this possible.
IFA’s recommendations underscore the growing call for inclusive and accessible electoral processes in Nigeria, with the goal of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of physical ability, have equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process. As Ondo State prepares for the upcoming election, the organization hopes that INEC will heed these recommendations, setting a precedent for inclusive practices across Nigeria’s electoral system.
