Anambra Guber: Our commitment to disability inclusion unparalleled – INEC

Chinedum Elekwachi

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state on Tuesday re-affirmed its unwavering commitment to disability inclusion.

Head of Unit, Civil Society Organization (CSO) Eya Vivian, gave the assurance in Nnewi during the “Able to Vote” voter education campaign for Persons with Disabilities organized by TAF Africa.

She also said the commission is committed to ensuring that no citizen was left behind in electoral process.

Describing voting as fundamental right eligible Nigerians must exercise without unnecessary obstacles, Eya, who doubles as Desk Officer, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) however acknowledged unique challenges such persons face during elections.

“Among the challenges PWDs face include physical barriers like inaccessible polling units, lack of special arrangements for voters with different types of disabilities.

“Limited access to voter education materials designed for PWDs, and societal attitudes that sometimes discourage participation,” she added.

Eya listed some steps taken by the Commission to ensure increased inclusiveness of the electoral process as provision of Braille ballot guides to assist visually impaired voters, ensuring priority voting for PWDs and elderly citizens.

“We’ve also constructed ramps and making polling units accessible for those with mobility challenges, and continuously training INEC officials to offer respectful and dignified assistance to voters with disabilities,” she added.

Undying commitment to disability inclusion

Programme Manager, TAF Africa, Adeolu Kilanko said the voter education campaign was part of the group’s efforts to entrench disability inclusion in the forthcoming governorship election in the State.

“What we’re doing today is being supported by European Union to reduce voter apathy to the barest minimum.

“It is also to promote the mainstreaming of PWDs in Electoral Processes,” he said.

Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, appreciated TAF Africa for choosing the state for the campaign.

He also commended INEC for its efforts so far in ensuring inclusion of PWDs.

Okeke expressed optimism that most, if not all his members would participate in the November 8 election.

The Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station, Nnewi, Udenigwe Chinwuba assured the PWDs of adequate security to ensure they participated in elections.

“It’s your right to participate in election without being intimated.

“Our duty is to provide and guarantee adequate security through synergy with other sister agencies,” he said.