The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in appointments and nominations as candidates for elections. Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner supervising Osun, Ogun, and Ondo States, emphasized this during a one-day technical workshop held in Akure. The workshop, themed “Implementation of INEC’s Inclusivity Tool With Persons With Disabilities Cluster Heads Ahead of 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election,” was organized by INEC and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in collaboration with Macarthur Foundation.
Ajayi highlighted the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 concerning the participation of PWDs in the electoral process. He stressed that PWDs have equal rights to participate in civic duties and political leadership roles without fear or discrimination. The workshop aimed to promote the active involvement of PWDs in the electoral process and reduce voter apathy among them.
Ajayi mentioned the introduction of assistive devices such as braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and posters for the deaf as part of INEC’s efforts to engage the disability community. He assured continued collaboration with PWDs to ensure their full participation in the electoral process, both as candidates and voters.
Abiodun Olusegun, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), commended INEC for the workshop and urged the commission to consider engaging PWDs as ad hoc staff during elections. Surajudeen Adams, State Chairman of the National Association of Persons With Disabilities, expressed gratitude for the introduction of braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, which would assist persons with visual impairments in exercising their voting rights.
