A mid-day observation report by TAF Africa, a non-profit organization promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral processes, has raised concerns over the accessibility of polling units by persons with disabilities in the ongoing Edo State governorship election.
The organization deployed 20 stationary citizen observers and 5 roving media observers to selected polling units across the state, focusing on polling units with registered voters with disabilities.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the State Capital on Saturday, TAF Africa Founder, Jake Appele said heavy rainfall significantly affected voter turnout, particularly among persons with disabilities and caused delays in accreditation and voting processes.
According to him, TAF Africa’s observers noted that while written instructions for the deaf were available, critical assistive tools like Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses were absent in several locations, hindering independent voting for persons with disabilities.
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He said the organisation observed that INEC ad-hoc staff were briefed on priority voting rights for persons with disabilities, but the absence of assistive tools undermined the effort.
To address these challenges, TAF Africa recommends, Urgent provision of assistive tools to polling units with registered PWD voters and extension of voting time in areas severely affected by weather.
It also called for continuous training for INEC staff on PWD voter needs and accessibility and improved communication channels for voters with disabilities to report issues in real-time.
TAF Africa urged INEC to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and ensure all voters can participate without barriers.
It noted that the Edo election is a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive democracy, adding that the organisation will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the experiences of voters with disabilities.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
