As the people of Edo State prepare to head to the polls on September 21, 2024, to elect their next governor, TAF Africa has issued a strong pre-election statement reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the electoral process. In collaboration with key stakeholders, TAF Africa plans to actively observe the election to guarantee that it is not only credible and transparent but also accessible and inclusive to all, particularly voters with disabilities.
The forthcoming election takes place amidst a backdrop of economic hardships, security concerns, and a widespread lack of trust in political institutions—factors that pose significant challenges to voter turnout, especially for vulnerable groups such as PWDs. As TAF Africa points out, ensuring the participation of PWDs in the election process is critical, particularly as declining voter turnout threatens to disenfranchise marginalized communities.
TAF Africa’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion
In its statement, TAF Africa underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of eligible voters with disabilities by fostering an accessible and fair voting environment. This advocacy aligns with TAF Africa’s broader mission of promoting inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral processes, especially through the effective implementation of the Electoral Act provisions that support PWD participation.
To ensure full inclusion, TAF Africa has committed to deploying a robust observation team during the election. According to the organization, a 20-member team of trained stationary observers will be stationed at polling units where PWDs are registered to vote. In addition to these static observers, five roving media observers will be dispatched to monitor various polling units across Edo State. These observers will focus on assessing the level of compliance with the Electoral Act’s stipulations, particularly Section 54, Sub-sections 1 and 2, which mandate the provision of assistive tools such as Braille Ballot guides for visually impaired voters, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, and written instructions for voters with hearing impairments. The Act also requires that PWDs be given priority in voting.
TAF Africa has also upgraded its election observer app, enhancing the technological capabilities of its observation efforts. The app will enable real-time data transmission from the field to TAF Africa’s PWD Election Hub, where the information will be analyzed and used to address issues as they arise. This technology-driven approach aims to swiftly document any irregularities and ensure prompt advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities.
Progress and Challenges Ahead of the Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made commendable progress in advancing electoral inclusivity in recent years. According to official INEC data, a total of 2,629,025 voters are registered for the 2024 Edo governorship election, including 4,199 persons with disabilities—an increase in PWD engagement compared to the previous election in 2020. Despite this progress, TAF Africa highlights that significant challenges remain in ensuring that all voters, especially PWDs, can participate without hindrance or discrimination.
One of the most glaring challenges, according to TAF Africa’s pre-election statement, is the underrepresentation of persons with disabilities in political leadership. Despite the increase in registered voters with disabilities, no PWD candidates are contesting in this election. Of the 17 political parties fielding candidates, only one has put forth a female candidate, further reflecting the ongoing marginalization of PWDs in the political process.
In previous elections, TAF Africa observed mismatches in the deployment of assistive tools. For instance, during the 2023 off-cycle elections, there were instances where magnifying glasses intended for persons with albinism were deployed to polling units with blind voters, who then lacked access to the necessary Braille Ballot guides. Such oversights not only hindered the independence of PWD voters but also called into question the adequacy of preparations for their participation in the voting process.
Security Concerns and Voter Apathy
Another critical issue raised by TAF Africa is the potential for election-related violence, which could disproportionately affect voters with disabilities. Security concerns, coupled with the ongoing economic crisis and declining voter turnout, pose a significant threat to the participation of PWDs. The voter turnout in Edo State has dropped from 32% in 2016 to 27% in 2020, and with continued insecurity, TAF Africa fears that apathy could further disenfranchise PWDs.
The organization calls for proactive measures from INEC and other stakeholders to address the trust deficit in the electoral process. By taking steps to ensure transparency and addressing security concerns, TAF Africa believes that INEC can build confidence among voters, particularly those who have historically faced barriers to participation.
TAF Africa’s Recommendations
In its pre-election statement, TAF Africa put forward several recommendations to ensure the 2024 Edo governorship election is inclusive, accessible, and safe for all voters, especially persons with disabilities:
- INEC’s Role: TAF Africa urges INEC to demonstrate its commitment to a credible, transparent, and inclusive election by ensuring that voting commences early across all polling units. Early voting, the organization notes, will allow PWDs to cast their votes and return home before the potential for violence escalates or long queues develop.
- Equitable Deployment of Assistive Tools: To avoid the mismatches observed in previous elections, TAF Africa calls on INEC to implement a standardized protocol for the equitable distribution of assistive tools. Polling units with registered PWDs should receive the appropriate tools to facilitate their independent voting.
- Inclusivity Training for Electoral Staff: INEC must ensure that electoral staff are properly briefed on inclusivity protocols, including the correct use of assistive devices and the prioritization of PWD voters.
- Political Parties’ Responsibilities: TAF Africa calls on political parties to embrace inclusivity beyond their campaign rhetoric. Parties should make special provisions for PWDs within their structures and advocacy efforts to promote the participation of PWDs as candidates and voters in future elections.
- Voter Mobilization Among PWDs: Registered voters with disabilities are encouraged to come out and exercise their right to vote. TAF Africa reaffirms its commitment to advocating for their rights and ensuring that the election is accessible to them.
- Security Agencies’ Conduct: Security agencies are urged to strictly adhere to their code of conduct for election security and ensure the safety of all voters, particularly persons with disabilities, who may face additional mobility challenges.
- Media and Civil Society’s Role: The media and civil society organizations are called upon to actively report on issues concerning the participation of persons with disabilities. By holding INEC and political parties accountable, these groups can help ensure a fair and inclusive election.
A Call for Inclusion and Action
As the 2024 Edo State governorship election approaches, TAF Africa remains steadfast in its mission to promote disability inclusion in Nigeria’s electoral processes. By deploying a trained team of observers and leveraging cutting-edge technology, TAF Africa is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring that the election is accessible to all, particularly persons with disabilities.
TAF Africa’s CEO and Founder, Ambassador Jake Epelle, emphasized the importance of this mission in his closing remarks: “We must continue to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure their voices are heard in every aspect of society, including the electoral process. Edo State’s election is an opportunity to demonstrate that democracy truly belongs to all citizens, regardless of their abilities.”
As voters in Edo State prepare to cast their ballots, TAF Africa calls on all stakeholders to work together to create an electoral environment that is inclusive, safe, and fair for all. With the support of INEC, political parties, security agencies, and civil society, TAF Africa is confident that the 2024 Edo governorship election can be a step forward in the journey toward true electoral inclusion for persons with disabilities.
