By Shedrack Frank
Yenagoa: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to removing barriers preventing Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from participating fully in the 2027 General Elections in Bayelsa.
INEC Residential Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bayelsa, Mallam Isah Shaka, said this on Wednesday during a sensitisation involving PWDs, Electoral Officers (EOs) and Disability Desk Officers at INEC headquarters in Yenegoa.
Shaka urged electoral officers to ensure independent voting for PWDs, stressing that inclusion required more than physical access to polling units.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the categories of PWDs at the sensitisation include; persons living with albinism, physical impairment, visual impairment, deafness, autism, down syndrome and spinal cord injuries among others.
The REC said that INEC National Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had deemed it necessary that those living with disabilities should be included in the electoral process irrespective of their conditions.
The REC described the sensitisation as an opportunity to strengthen accessibility and promote effective use of assistive devices to aid those with disabilities in the society.
According to him, INEC will continue to assess its procedures, facilities, communication methods and operational arrangements to ensure eligible voters were not disadvantaged or disenfranchised by disability.
He thanked the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Bayelsa chapter, for participating in decisions affecting PWDs’ involvement in the democratic process.
On her address, Mrs Grace Ebiakpo, State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency, urged those with disabilities to exercise their franchise by voting for candidates of their choice on the election day.
Ebiakpo urged them not to see their disability as a sign of weakness not to vote or to contest an elective position, adding: “It is your right to vote and be voted for”.
According to her, part of INEC’s duties is equally to orient Nigeria masses, both those living with disabilities or not, of their right to vote and participate in the electoral process.
In a goodwill message, Mr Mayor Okpomokumor, State Chairman, JONAPWD, thanked INEC for efforts to ensure that those living with disabilities could exercise their franchise in the upcoming elections.
He said that INEC in Bayelsa had been sensitising those with disabilities to be included in the electoral process and to ensure that they are not disenfranchised.
On her part, Julie Osezua, Gender and Inclusivity Department of INEC, presented an overview of the commission’s disability inclusion, accessibility and assistive interventions as well as the usage and deployment of the assistive devices.
She said that the workshop offered practical demonstrations, hands-on learning and an opportunity to identify operational gaps ahead of the upcoming general elections. (NAN)
Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Chioma Ugboma
Source: News Agency of Nigeria
