by Damilanre, TQM correspondent, Lagos,
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) paid an advocacy visit to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos on its project on ‘enhancing access to justice and political participation among women, elderly and youth with Disabilities in Lagos’.
Mr. David Anyaele, the Executive Director of CCD, while making his address, highlighted many programs and activities CCD has embarked on over the decades in ensuring Persons with Disabilities are not left behind in the electoral process of the country.
According to him, the project aimed at mobilizing PwDs participation in the 2023 general elections and to promote the inclusion of PwDs; to also seek INEC support and areas of collaboration as we prepare for the 2023 general elections.
“You are aware that all the political parties are preparing and positioning themselves for the 2023 general election, so also CCD is planning in order to ensure that PwDs do not just only participate in elections but also in the political parties activities in line with INEC framework on disability” he said.
He also advocates for possible assistive devices and appropriate accommodation are created for PwDs participation in the electoral process.
He further pledges support in creating awareness and mobilization of PwDs for the continuous voters registration exercise and support in sharing approaches for accessible electoral process and in particular access to polling units for PwDs.
Mr. James Popoola, the Administrative Secretary of the commission said the commission has made giant stride by making sure that it includes PwDs in it’s voters education.
“INEC is set to come up with another strategic plan in 2022 and the first strategic objectives is to provide electoral operation system to support the delivery of free, fair, credible and ‘inclusive’ elections” he said.
According to him, the commission has created 30% additional polling units in Nigeria to facilitate voters access to polling units.
He also commended CCD for the laudable project which he believed will aid the commission to identify areas of inclusive elections at all times.
“The commission is improving on the needs of PwDs and until we get to the stage of developed countries, the commission will not relent” he concluded.
Susan Kelechi, a physically challenged expressed her grievances over posting her to a far polling unit during the last general elections. “I had to take a long walk, pass two streets and three polling units before I got to my polling unit” she lamented.
The HoD ICT apologized over the inconveniences and assured that measures were been taken to prevent any future occurrences. He therefore advised every Persons with Disabilities to go for an update and review of their voters card.
Mr. Luka Buba, the disability front desk officers made it known that provisions have been made for assistive devices for PwDs. “In this continuous voters registration exercise, there is provision for disaggregated data for PwDs” he explained.
He hereby urges all PwDs who have registered before to go back for updates and to indicate their form of disability.
