Off-cycle polls: We’ll monitor INEC compliance with assisting PWDs, says NGO

The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, a non-profit organisation, says it will closely monitor the adherence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with providing assistive tools for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during the off-cycle governorship elections.

Governorship elections are being held today in the three states of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi.

Jake Epelle, founder of TAF Africa and convener of disability inclusion Nigeria, spoke on Friday while addressing journalists in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital.

Epelle who was represented by Miyiwa Aderibigbe, TAF Africa team lead in Bayelsa, said the organisation and European Union (EU) group has deployed observers to monitor the electoral process in the three states.

“We are committed to ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral process,” NAN quoted Epelle as saying.

“To this end, we are deploying a team of well trained observers to polling units with registered persons with disabilities to the three states.

“The observers will closely monitor INEC’s level of compliance in the provision of assistive tools for persons with disabilities as mandated by the electoral act.

“These tools include the availability of braille ballot guide for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, election day written instruction for the deaf ballot guide, as well as access to priority voting and other necessary accommodations.”

He said the organisation has also established a PWD election hub in the three states to receive and review information from observers.

“The information would be displayed on our PWD election monitoring dashboard, accessible to the public, stakeholders and relevant authorities,” he said.

“Regarding the participation of people with disabilities in the impending off-cycle elections, we are extremely concerned about the security situation.

“Election-related violence has a history in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi. The community of persons with disabilities might be discouraged from voting if the situation is unstable.

“INEC should ensure proper coordination with security agencies to forestall incidence of violence and ensure the safety of voters and poll officials on election day.

“The 2022 Electoral Act stipulates that every person with disability is entitled to priority voting.”

The TAF founder expressed concerns over the safety of PWDs, adding that adequate security should be provided at all voting centers.