Benin City, Nigeria – September 21, 2024
TAF Africa, a prominent Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) advocating for electoral inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), has expressed serious concerns over the inadequate provision of assistive devices during the recently held Edo State governorship election. The NGO’s assessment underscores the ongoing challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria’s electoral process, highlighting significant gaps that hinder their ability to participate fully and independently in exercising their democratic rights.
At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon, Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, delivered an impassioned address emphasizing the critical need for an inclusive electoral process that accommodates the diverse needs of PWDs. He stressed that the absence of essential assistive tools during the election impeded the ability of many PWDs to vote independently, thereby undermining their constitutional right to participate in the democratic process.
Lack of Critical Assistive Tools at Polling Units
According to Epelle, the organization deployed 20 stationary citizen observers and five roving media observers across selected polling units in Edo State to monitor the voting experiences of PWDs. The findings from these observers painted a troubling picture: although written instructions for the deaf (form EC 30E PWD) were available at polling units, other crucial assistive devices, such as Braille ballot guides for the blind and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, were notably absent in many locations.
“For instance, at Olua Primary School, Uselu I-VI, PU 008, a blind voter could not cast his vote independently due to the absence of a Braille ballot guide,” Epelle reported. “Polling officials at the center confirmed that they were not provided with any Braille guides, leaving blind voters reliant on assistance from others, which compromises the secrecy and independence of their vote.”
This scenario was repeated at various polling stations across the state, indicating a systemic failure to adequately cater to the needs of PWDs. The omission of such critical tools not only violates the rights of PWDs but also contradicts the provisions of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which mandates that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provide these assistive devices to ensure PWDs can participate in elections without barriers.
Non-Compliance with the Electoral Act
The lack of assistive devices for PWDs is particularly concerning in light of Section 54 of the Electoral Act, Sub-sections 1 and 2, which clearly stipulate that INEC must provide necessary aids, such as Braille ballot guides for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, and written instructions for the deaf. These tools are intended to ensure effective participation of PWDs in the electoral process, allowing them to cast their votes independently, confidently, and without discrimination.
Epelle emphasized that these provisions are not just recommendations but legal requirements that are integral to achieving true democratic participation. “The inclusion of persons with disabilities in the electoral process is a critical aspect of achieving true democratic participation,” he stated. “Failure to provide these assistive tools denies PWDs their fundamental right to vote independently and reinforces the barriers that have long excluded them from the political process.”
Adverse Impact of Weather and Accessibility Challenges
Adding to the difficulties faced by PWDs, the election day was marred by heavy rainfall, which significantly impacted voter turnout, especially among PWDs. TAF Africa reported that the downpour, which began in the early hours of the morning and continued throughout much of the day, created additional challenges for PWDs who often face mobility and accessibility issues even under ideal conditions.
“The heavy downpour in the early hours of the day and its persistence throughout the morning significantly affected voter turnout at many polling units,” Epelle explained. “This was particularly noticeable among voters with disabilities, whose movement and access to polling units were impeded by the poor weather conditions.”
TAF Africa’s observers noted that the rain caused delays in the commencement of accreditation and voting at several polling units, as confirmed by INEC ad-hoc staff. These delays further discouraged PWDs, many of whom already face logistical challenges in accessing polling stations. As a result, the unfavorable weather exacerbated the existing barriers to participation for this vulnerable group, undermining their ability to exercise their voting rights.
INEC’s Efforts and Priority Voting for PWDs
Despite the setbacks, TAF Africa acknowledged the efforts made by INEC to prioritize voting for PWDs. The organization observed that INEC ad-hoc staff had been briefed on the importance of granting priority access to PWDs at polling units, and in many cases, this directive was followed. PWDs were generally given priority access at the polling units visited by TAF Africa’s observers, allowing them to cast their votes without having to wait in long lines.
However, while this measure was a step in the right direction, it was not enough to offset the absence of critical assistive tools and the impact of adverse weather conditions. Epelle emphasized that priority voting, though commendable, must be complemented by the provision of the necessary devices and infrastructure to facilitate full and independent participation by PWDs.
TAF Africa’s Recommendations for Improving Electoral Inclusion
In light of the observed challenges, TAF Africa presented several key recommendations to improve electoral inclusion for PWDs in future elections:
- Provision of Assistive Tools: The NGO called on INEC to urgently ensure that all necessary assistive devices, including Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, are provided at all polling units with registered PWD voters. “Ensuring that persons with disabilities can vote independently is critical to upholding their right to participate in the democratic process,” Epelle stated.
- Training and Sensitization of Election Officials: TAF Africa urged INEC to intensify training and sensitization efforts for both permanent and ad-hoc election staff. This training should emphasize the importance of accessibility, the needs of PWD voters, and the provision of all necessary assistive tools to ensure a seamless voting experience for PWDs.
- Enhanced Communication and Support Systems: The organization recommended that INEC establish effective communication channels to allow PWDs to report any issues they encounter in real-time. This would enable immediate corrective measures and ensure that incidents are documented for future improvement.
A Call for Continued Advocacy and Monitoring
TAF Africa reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the full inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria’s electoral processes. “We will continue to observe the election as it progresses and provide updates on the experiences of voters with disabilities,” Epelle assured. He urged INEC to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and ensure that all voters, regardless of their physical or sensory abilities, are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without barriers.
Conclusion: The Journey Toward Inclusive Democracy
The 2024 Edo State governorship election has once again brought to the forefront the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria’s electoral process. While efforts have been made to prioritize their participation, significant gaps remain in ensuring that PWDs can exercise their voting rights independently and without hindrance. TAF Africa’s assessment serves as a clarion call for continued advocacy, improved infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to making Nigeria’s democracy truly inclusive for all its citizens.
