In preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Osun and Ekiti States respectively, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has reeled out voting expectations from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders in order to have a credible, free and fair elections.
This was contained in a press release by Mbanefo JohnMichaels I, Head, Media and Publicity Unit NCPWD in Abuja.
The ES who was represented by the Director, Social Integration Department NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia made this known at a roundtable discussion on “PWDs’ inclusion and access to voting” organized by Inclusive Friends Association and Access Nigeria in Abuja.
Mr. Lalu outlined some notable propositions, which include; Provisions of Assistive devices for persons who are deaf and blind, engagement of sign language interpreters at each polling unit, sensitization on the right of persons with disabilities to vote as well and inclusion in all facets of electioneering, positive attitude towards the community of PWDs, and provision of disability-friendly infrastructures for easy access.
He further pointed out that participation in the electoral process goes beyond mere voting and that it extends to political representations of PWDs.
“Personal factors and political participations; lower levels of education of election officers in relation with PWDs constitute major stumbling blocks against participation of persons with disabilities” He opined.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) Grace Jerry informed the stakeholders that 34% of PWDs were disenfranchised at the recent governorship election in Anambra State where 20% visually impaired persons could not access braille ballot to cast their votes. She equally revealed that the overall percentage of PWDs denied access amounted to 94%.
She However, thanked the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Nigeria Police Force, the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and for their support and cooperation toward making the event worthwhile. She then promised that the communique developed at the forum will become a working document for INEC and other relevant authorities in subsequent electoral processes.