The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its dedication to dismantle systemic and bodily barriers which have disenfranchised or marginalised Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on the grassroots earlier than the 2027 basic elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Dr. Shehu Wahab, disclosed this in Lokoja on Tuesday at a state-level sensitisation workshop on incapacity interventions for PWDs, electoral officers, and incapacity desk officers.
Dr. Wahab acknowledged that INEC stays firmly devoted to the core democratic precept that elections have to be free, truthful, credible, and inclusive.
He burdened that democracy thrives solely when each eligible citizen, no matter bodily, sensory, or cognitive capability, has unfettered entry to train their civic franchise.
“Against this backdrop,” he stated, “the commission is out to address real challenges and systematically dismantle those barriers faced by PWDs at the grassroots before the 2027 general election.”
He famous that the workshop was particularly designed to bridge the hole between coverage formulation at headquarters and sensible implementation on the grassroots.
“Today, we’re not solely reviewing INEC’s complete Policy on Disability Inclusion and accessibility tips, however we’re additionally specializing in the operational deployment and efficient utilization of assistive units, corresponding to magnifying glasses, Braille ballots, and PWD posters.
“We recognise that the fee can’t obtain complete inclusion in isolation. We deeply worth our ongoing partnership with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society teams, and businesses just like the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
“Your feedback, advocacy, and collaborative spirit are vital in helping us identify blind spots, correct operational lapses, and build public trust,” he stated.
In his remarks, the state Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ibrahim Arome Daniel, famous that members have been affected by the non-inclusive practices of the previous, significantly these within the blind, deaf, and spinal twine damage clusters.
Represented by the Secretary of the affiliation, Ahmed Abdulkareem Onimisi, the chairman recommended the inclusive posture of the present management of the fee, which is tailor-made to make sure members train their civic rights within the coming basic elections.
Meanwhile, the state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ayedime Aleku, suggested potential voters to gather their PVCs at INEC places of work positioned within the headquarters of the 21 native authorities areas.
Aleku urged PWDs to talk brazenly on the workshop to allow the fee to resolve challenges or barriers stopping them from exercising their civic accountability throughout the 2027 basic election.
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