Election
By Thompson Yamput
TAF-Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has deployed 90 observers to monitor the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Saturday’s Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa governorship election.
Mr Jake Epelle, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) TAF Africa, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Lokoja, Kogi.
Epelle, represented by Mr Uche Enyioha, a member of the NGO, said that the observers were in three teams of 30 persons per state and would round polling units with registered PWDs in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa to monitor Saturday’s poll.
He said that the observers were to closely observe INEC level of compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act, which made it mandatory for the provision of assistive tools for PWDs such as Braille Ballot guide for the blind and magnifying glasses for albinos.
Epelle urged INEC to ensure proper coordination with security agencies to forestall incidences of violence and ensure the safety of voters and poll officials on election day.
“The 2022 Electoral Act stipulates that every person with a disability is entitled to priority voting. INEC should ensure that this right is duly respected by its polling officials and that PWDs are allowed priority voting at their respective polling units.
“INEC should ensure proper and adequate deployment of assistive tools for persons with disabilities in the gubernatorial and state assembly elections, such as magnifying glasses, Election Day written instruction (FORM 30E PWD), and braille ballot guide.
“The police should investigate and prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence. Bringing perpetrators of violence to book will demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to a violence-free electoral process,” he said.
Epelle said that political parties were expected to be committed to conducting peaceful election and work to prevent their supporters from engaging in violence,
“We call on persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. Do not be intimidated by the threat of violence. Your vote is a civic duty, one vote abstained for no just cause, is a definite vote against our democracy.
“TAF Africa remains committed to promoting disability inclusion in the electoral process, in spite of the potential challenge,” he said.
Epelle, however, called on relevant authorities, political parties and civil society organisations to prioritise the rights and needs of the PWDs during the poll.
“Together, we can ensure that all citizens, including those with disabilities, can participate in the electoral process freely and without fear,” he said. NAN