Following key observations from its pre-election monitoring of the Edo State gubernatorial election,the Albino Foundation, TAF, Africa, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to take immediate steps to improve accessibility for PWDs.
According to TAF Africa, it deployed 20 stationary citizen observers and 5 roving media observers to polling units across Edo State, focusing on areas with registered PWD voters.
Their goal was to assess the voting experience of PWDs and observe the provision of assistive tools mandated by the Electoral Act.
In its report, TAF Africa expressed concern over the lack of essential voting aids in many polling units. “Observers noted with concern that although the written instructions for the deaf (form EC 30E PWD) were deployed across all observed polling units, other critical assistive tools, such as Braille ballot guides for the blind and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, were absent in several locations,” the report stated.
A notable example occurred at Olua Primary School, Uselu I-VI, PU 008, where “a blind voter could not cast his vote independently due to the absence of a Braille ballot guide, with polling officials confirming that they were not provided with any.”
The report also highlighted the significant impact of heavy rainfall on voter turnout, particularly for PWDs.
“A heavy downpour in the early hours of the day, and its persistence throughout the morning, significantly affected voter turnout at many polling units. This was particularly noticeable among voters with disabilities, whose movement and access to polling units were impeded by the poor weather conditions.”
While the organization praised INEC for ensuring that PWDs were given priority voting access, it stressed that gaps in assistive tools compromised their ability to fully participate. The report called for immediate action, stating,
“INEC must urgently provide the necessary assistive tools, including Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, to all polling units with registered PWD voters before the close of voting today.”
Jake Epelle, Founder and CEO of The Albino Foundation, TAF, Africa, reiterated the organization’s commitment to advocating for inclusive voting processes.
“Ensuring that persons with disabilities can vote independently is critical to upholding their right to participate in the democratic process,” Epelle said.
TAF Africa also recommended extending voting hours in areas where bad weather disrupted turnout, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Considering the adverse impact of the heavy rain on voter turnout, especially for PWDs, we recommend that INEC consider extending the voting time in polling units severely affected by the weather,” the report suggested.
In addition to these recommendations, TAF Africa emphasized the need for continuous training and sensitization of election officials to better understand and accommodate the needs of PWD voters, ensuring a more inclusive electoral process moving forward.
TAF Africa remains committed to promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria's elections and will continue to monitor the ongoing situation.
“We urge INEC to uphold its commitment to inclusivity and ensure that all voters are given the opportunity to participate in today’s election without barriers,” the report concluded.