Osun 2022: Centre for Citizens with Disabilities tasks INEC on availability of assistive materials for PWDs

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for accessibility of polling units and assistive materials for persons with disabilities.

CCD charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to site polling units in accessible environments.

It gave the charge during a virtual presentation on findings of the Equal Voting Access (EVA) survey ahead of the July 16th Governorship election in Osun State.

In his opening remark, the Executive Director of the Centre for citizens with Disabilities, David Anyaele noted that CCD is monitoring the full compliance on the implementation of relevant disability laws and policies among State Institutions.

Anyaele said, “as the Osun State Governorship Elections is approaching CCD is monitoring compliance to the provisions of national disability rights act, Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s framework on PWDs, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“Last two months, we made a presentation on INEC presentations for PWDs in Ekiti, and that report findings and recommendations shaped a lot of reforms by INEC in that state, and today, we are here to present the findings from Osun State.

“On PWDs and respondents knowledge about the National disability law, State Disability law and INEC Framework for PWDs during election, it was very obvious, that majority of disability Opinion Leaders during the key in-depth interview, are aware of the contents and provisions of these laws but not INEC framework, This is also evident in data collected through the data collected via Google form as; 64% are aware of the discrimination against persons with disability (Prohibition) Act 2010, while 35.8% are not aware. On knowledge of the INEC framework on disability; 41% are aware, 59% are not aware of the framework.

“On the respondents’ knowledge of the Electoral Act 2022; 51% of the respondents are aware, 49% are not aware of the Act and it’s sections on disability. The survey shows that most cluster members complained that even if there is any law on disability that might be available or existent, that the impact is not still felt, as they still face discrimination whilst questioning its implementation level.”

Giving his recommendations to INEC, he said that bold steps must be taken to improve on accessibility of polling units for PWDs in Osun State particularly for those with physical challenges.

“Make election materials and facilities accessible for all PWDs. This includes ensure the availability of Form EC40H at the Polling Units, and assistive resources such as sign language interpreters, tactile ballot jackets, braille ballot paper and magnifying lenses.”

In his remarks, James Ugochukwu of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room commended CCD on its advocacy for disability rights, to discourage discrimination against persons with disability (prohibition) act 2018 passed.

“As we move to Osun, we need to take the lessons from Ekiti, that is why this presentation is very important in order to shape inclusion. We are looking at not only PWDs coming out to vote, we are also looking at them having enough assistive devices and materials to vote. So there is a need for INEC to do proper disability mapping,” he concluded.

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