The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been urged to make polling units accessible to persons living with disabilities in Saturday’s Governorship election in Ondo State.
Election monitoring groups which include Inclusive Friends Association,Yiaga Africa and association of people living with Disabilities gave the advise while briefing journalists in Akure,Ondo state Capital on Wednesday.
Also of concern to the Civil Society Organisations is the prevailing poor electoral accessibility, and the need to introduce tools such as the Braille Ballot Guide and PWD-specific Election Day instructions to support independent voting by persons with visual and hearing impairments to promote inclusiveness.
They also lamented that despite efforts deployed over the years to make elections inclusive, accessible, and fair there remain significant barriers to full participation of Persons with disabilities
They said they are ready to partner with INEC for notable improvements in accessibility and empowerment for Nigeria’s disability community.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
