Pre-Election Statement Highlights Key Needs for Persons with Disabilities in September 2024 Polls
As the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial election fast approaches, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has issued a strong call for inclusive, safe, and accessible voting, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs). During a pre-election press briefing in Benin City on September 12, 2024, IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry, emphasized the importance of providing full access to assistive voting materials and ensuring that PWDs can participate equally in the democratic process.
IFA, a non-partisan, women-led organization that advocates for the inclusion of Nigeria’s over 30 million persons with disabilities, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to act swiftly in removing barriers that have historically hindered the participation of PWDs in elections. The group, with the support of its partner, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has been actively involved in ensuring that the 2024 Edo election is inclusive and accessible for all voters.
Progress So Far: Introduction of Assistive Materials
In her statement, Grace Jerry commended INEC for past efforts to make Nigeria’s electoral process more accessible, noting the introduction of the Braille ballot guide and the PWD-specific Election Day written instructions (EC30EPWD poster), which were introduced through previous advocacy engagements. These tools have provided PWD voters with visual and hearing impairments the opportunity to vote independently.
“INEC has been responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities, and we applaud the tremendous progress made in election accessibility,” Jerry said. “These achievements underscore INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that all voters with disabilities can cast their votes freely and without obstacles.”
Challenges Faced by PWDs in Previous Elections
Despite these gains, IFA highlighted several significant barriers that PWDs faced in the 2023 general elections and off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States. These barriers, which impacted the ability of PWDs to participate fully, include:
- Accessibility issues at polling units, with many lacking ramps, handrails, or flat surfaces for wheelchair users.
- Stigma and stereotypes that discouraged members of the disability community from fully engaging in electoral processes.
- Polling units with poor layouts that hindered mobility for voters with disabilities.
- The absence of disaggregated PWD data in the voters’ register, which would allow INEC to tailor services to the needs of the disability community.
- Improper use or neglect of Form EC40H, which captures the specific disabilities of voters.
- Ballot boxes positioned too high for wheelchair users, making it difficult for them to vote independently.
Moreover, the employment of PWDs as ad-hoc electoral staff has not been prioritized, despite Section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019, which mandates at least 5% employability of PWDs in public services, including election management.
IFA’s Call to Action for INEC
As the Edo gubernatorial election nears, IFA has put forward a series of recommendations for INEC to ensure the election is inclusive and accessible to all voters with disabilities. These recommendations include:
- Ensuring that polling units are set up in accessible venues with flat surfaces, ramps, and handrails for easy navigation.
- Mandating that polling officials complete the PWD Form EC40H, which will provide critical data for INEC to improve future election planning.
- Instituting priority voting for PWDs, allowing them to vote immediately upon arrival at polling units.
- Categorizing the Braille ballot guide as sensitive electoral material and ensuring its timely and effective deployment to all polling units.
- Posting the EC30E PWD Election Day written instructions in visible locations, ensuring that persons with disabilities know how to vote.
- Positioning ballot boxes at heights suitable for wheelchair users to cast their votes independently.
- Engaging with PWD communities, IFA, and other disability organizations regularly to improve electoral inclusion and access.
- Taking steps to ensure the employment of PWDs as election staff and ad-hoc workers, as stipulated by law.
“These actions will go a long way in creating a seamless voting experience for persons with disabilities and will contribute to a more inclusive electoral process,” said Grace Jerry. “We urge INEC to implement these recommendations to guarantee that no one is left behind.”
Security Measures for PWDs
IFA also called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure the safety of PWD voters during the election. Jerry emphasized the need for security personnel to receive disability awareness training to better interface with PWDs and ensure that they are not subjected to intimidation or violence on Election Day.
“We urge the security forces to be vigilant and to prioritize the safety of PWDs at polling units,” she said. “Additionally, they should ensure that persons with disabilities are allowed to vote first, in accordance with the Electoral Act.”
Engagement with the Media
The media was also urged to play a key role in promoting inclusive elections. IFA called on the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and media executives to ensure that the participation of persons with disabilities is prominently covered during the election period.
“Accurate and inclusive media reporting will shine a light on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and showcase the progress being made to include them in the democratic process,” Jerry stated. She also encouraged the use of sign language interpreters during live broadcasts, particularly during the collation of election results, to ensure that deaf voters can follow along.
A Message to the Disability Community
In her closing remarks, Jerry appealed directly to the disability community in Edo State, urging them to participate actively in the election by coming out in large numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice.
“The power to shape the future of our community lies in our hands,” she said. “Let us all come out on Election Day and make our voices heard. Remember, your vote counts, and together, we can make Edo State a more inclusive and progressive place for everyone.”
She also reminded voters to maintain peace and avoid participating in illegal activities such as vote-buying or vote-selling, as these actions are punishable by law.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Inclusive Elections
The 2024 Edo gubernatorial election is expected to be a crucial moment for democracy and electoral inclusion in Nigeria. With the continued advocacy of organizations like IFA and the cooperation of INEC, there is hope that the election will be a model for how to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the democratic process.
As IFA reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, and accessible elections, Grace Jerry concluded: “We stand with the PWD community and all citizens of Edo State in ensuring that their voices are heard and respected. This election belongs to all of us.”
The Inclusive Friends Association remains at the forefront of the movement for electoral inclusion, continuing to push for reforms that will make Nigeria’s elections accessible to all citizens, regardless of ability.
