By Olusegun Obisanya
A pre-assessment survey report on INEC’s preparedness and special provision for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has indicated that the electoral umpire needs to scale up its provisions for PWDs in the country as report indicated that many of the physically challenge persons have shown passionate interest in the 2023 elections to exercise their franchise to vote for candidates of their choice.
A lecturer at the University of Lagos and Professor of Sociology and consultant to a non-governmental organisation, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Prof Soyombo Omololu Soyombo stated this at the public presentation of the report on behalf of CCD in Lagos recently.
He noted that the survey was carried out in conjunction with CCD to look at INEC’s provisions in preparation for 2023 elections to determine the level of preparedness of the election umpire particularly as it affects the PWDs.
“The study was conducted in six States of the federation selected across the six geopolitical zones. And some key findings of the assessment include one, a very high level of enthusiasm on the part of PWDs to vote. A very good number of them have done the needful by registering to vote, by collecting their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) although the report also indicates that a good number also have challenges collecting their PVCs but they have clearly demonstrated that they want to exercise their franchise rights by voting.
“We also looked at the experiences of PWDs in the 2019 elections. The hope in this regard is that INEC should use the findings to identify the shortcomings and prepare for a better election process in 2023. Issues about challenges in voting, accessibility of the polling unit are germane. Some of the recommendations point to gaps in INEC provisions, and I think it’s important for INEC to work in this regard,” Soyombo stated.
He added that INEC should make necessary effort to provide assistive devices to make information available in accessible and understandable format for PWDs as the report indicated that only about 10 percent or less than in many cases of PWDs are reported information about elections materials being available in accessible format for PWDs.
“So, INEC needs to work more on this by providing information in accessible materials, Braille format, large prints, sign language interpreters and so on at election venue,” for the purpose of PWDs active participation as they have shown.
In his presentation, he stressed the need for INEC to do more in terms of information dissemination.
“The Electoral Act 2022 for instance, only a very few proportion of the PWDs know about it. INEC can do better by sensitising people, providing information through the media and also working with cluster groups of PWDs so that they can assist to channel their information down the line to members,” the consultant advised.
According to the report, many PWDs raised concerns about their personal safety and security. To this, Soyombo called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that adequate security is provided in and around ”voting venues for all citizens but more in particular for PWDs so that their lives are not endangered in the process of exercising their voting rights.”
Speaking, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, David Anyaele was displeased with INEC’s preparation though he said his organisation will synergize with others to educate and disseminate information to persons with disabilities.
He said, “From what we have seen so far, INEC preparation for PWDs remains weak as many people with disabilities do not know INEC provisions for them. PWDs are eager to understand but there is poor engagement, PWDs will not benefit.
“We need to take measures to create awareness to mobilise people with disabilities and their families to know the provisions for this election and take advantage of it. We want to see increased voter turnout among citizens with disabilities come February and March elections.”
