Osun Guber: Disability group lauds INEC on improved accessibility of polling units to PWDs

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for making polling units accessible to persons with disability in the just concluded Osun State election.

CCD also applauded the priority given to the PWDs at the polling units as well as the assistive materials provided to them.

This is contained in the statement issued by the Executive director of the organisation, David Anyaele on Saturday after its findings through its Campaign for Equal Voting Access (EVA).

According to him, the group’s observation was to assess the election management body’s compliance to the provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, section 54 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities, and the Nigeria Constitution 1999 as amended.

Anyaele said, “EVAPWD is impressed to observe that marginalized populations – the aged, nursing mothers and pregnant women and persons with disabilities were offered priority voting in most of the polling units observed. In particular, Polling Unit 4, ward 5 in Irepodun LGA, Polling Unit 2, ward 5 in Ede South LGA, Polling unit 8, ward 10, columnist, Odo-Otin LGA and the majority of other observed Polling Units were see providing priority voting for PWDs. We commend Polling Officials for their efforts in this regard.

“EVAPWD observed that significant PUs were accessible to persons with physical disabilities. In particular. PU 9 Ward 3, Boripe LGA; PU 10 Ward 4, Ijebu Ijesha; PU  7 Ward 3, Ijebu Ijesha LGA; PU 4 Ward 4, Ijebu Ijesha LGA, PU 04, Ward 4, Ede North LGA, PU 3 ward 5 in IIeogbo LGA. and PU 2, ward 9 in Aiyedire LGA were good examples of how to make PUs accessible to physically challenged voters. Observation shows that INEC sited a significant number of PUs along the Roadside and dropped the ballot boxes on the floor, whilst a good number of other PUs were sited in building with access for those on wheelchairs.

“That notwithstanding, EVAPWD is dissatisfied that significant number of Polling Units observed were not accessible. Notably, P U 9, Ward 3 in Boripe LGA was not accessible as it was too high and filled with steps and grasses. Also, in PU 4, Ward 10, Ede South LGA, PU 8, Ward 5, Ede South, PU 8, Ward 10 in Odo- Otin, and PU 5, Ward in Osogbo were sited across gutters. Also not accessible is PU 2, Ward 9, and its environs in  Aiyedire LGA were sited across gutters or in schools with steps and high pavements. What this means is that voters with physical disability would struggle much more to cast their votes.

“EVAPWD observed the deployment of Braille guides, shade and magnifying glasses in the significant number of the PUs visited. In particular, PU 8, Ward 10 0din-Oti LGA, PU 4, Ward 10, Ede South LGA and others were seen with assistive devices for PWDs. This is commendable as INEC has made observable improvement in this regard.”

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