Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has observed that at the just concluded 2023 general elections, there was an increase and more robust improvement in Persons with Disabilities (PWD) political participation.
The Executive Director, Grace Jerry at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja said this is because, beyond participating as electorates, PWDs were seen to serve as party agents.
To ensure voters with disabilities can continue to participate in Nigeria’s political and electoral processes, Grace called on INEC to ensure that overpopulated PUs are decongested for ease of implementing priority voting for PWDs in subsequent Elections.
She said this process is important as citizens in overpopulated PUs submerge PWDs and their rights.
She further called on INEC should collaborate with other government agencies to ensure the provision of ramps and handrails outside and inside the polling units so that PWDs can cast their vote without any barriers.
“INEC should ensure timely and effective deployment of PWDs assistive materials such as; the Braille ballot guide, For EC30E PWD, and magnifying glass 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 said.
