Anambra Guber Poll: INEC Reiterates Commitment to Disability Inclusion

By Praise Chinecherem

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state on Tuesday re-affirmed its unwavering commitment to disability inclusion.

Head of Unit, Civil Society Organization (CSO) Eya Vivian Ukamaka stated this in Nnewi during the “Able to Vote” voter education campaign for Persons with Disabilities organized by TAF Africa.

She also said the commission is committed to ensuring that no citizen was left behind in electoral process.

Eya, who doubles as Desk Officer, Persons With Disabilities, revealed that no fewer than 180 staff of the commission are physically impaired.

She described voting as not a privilege but rather fundamental right eligible Nigerians must be able to exercise without unnecessary obstacles.

She however acknowledged unique challenges persons with disabilities face during elections, reassuring INEC’s commitment to addressing the challenges.

She said, “Among the challenges PWDs face include physical barriers like inaccessible polling units, lack of special arrangements for voters with different types of disabilities.

“Limited access to voter education materials designed for PWDs, and societal attitudes that sometimes discourage participation.

“INEC is fully committed to addressing these challenges. Over the years, the Commission has taken several steps to make the electoral process more inclusive.

“Some of these steps include providing Braille ballot guides to assist visually impaired voters, ensuring priority voting for PWDs and elderly citizens.

“We’ve also constructed ramps and making polling units accessible for those with mobility challenges, and continuously training INEC officials to offer respectful and dignified assistance to voters with disabilities.

“A notable initiative we are proud of is the EC 30E poster. This is a visual voting guide developed to assist PWDs in understanding the voting process.

“It uses simple drawings to explain each step of voting in a way that is clear and easy to follow. These posters are displayed at polling units on election day to ensure that voters with disabilities can navigate the process with confidence.

“In addition, on election day, INEC officials make public announcements at polling units, specifically calling on persons with Disabilities to step forward for attention and assistance.

“This ensures that no PWD is left unattended or made to struggle through the voting process unnoticed.

“Furthermore, the Electoral Act 2022, Section 54, subsections (1), and (2) provide clear legal backing for the participation of voters with disabilities.

“Subsection (1) states that:
“A voter with visual impairment or other forms of disability, who is otherwise unable to distinguish symbols or who suffers from any other physical disability, may be accompanied into the polling unit by a person chosen by him or her, to assist such person to vote in the manner prescribed by the Commission.”

“Subsection (2) further mandates that:
“The Commission shall take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with disabilities, special needs, and vulnerable persons are assisted at the polling units by providing suitable means of communication.

“These include braille, large embossed print, electronic devices, sign language interpretation, or off-site voting, where necessary.”

“This section of the law reinforces INEC’s responsibility to provide adequate arrangements for the participation of PWDs in the electoral process.

“We also ensure that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is accessible to PWDs. This is an important opportunity for PWDs to register, update their details, and prepare to participate in elections.

“INEC has put in place measures to accommodate their needs during CVR, including accessible centres and trained support staff.

“All of these efforts are especially important as we look forward to the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

“This upcoming election presents a key opportunity for INEC to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to disability inclusion, ensuring that every eligible voter, including PWDs, can cast their vote freely and fairly.

“These achievements would not be possible without partnerships. The Albino Foundation (TAF) has been a crucial ally in this journey, working tirelessly through advocacy, voter education, and community engagement to promote disability rights in the electoral process.”

Programme Manager, TAF Africa, Adeolu Kilanko said the voter education campaign was part of the group’s efforts to entrench disability inclusion in the forthcoming governorship election in the State.

“TAF Africa is an organization that advocates for the recognition and respect of the rights, socio-economic and political inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria and beyond.

“What we’re doing today is being supported by European Union and the aim is to reduce voter apathy to the barest minimum and promote the mainstreaming of PWDs in Electoral Processes,” he said.

Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke appreciated TAF Africa for the choice of the state for the campaign.

He also commended INEC for its efforts so far in ensuring inclusion of PWDs, expressing optimism that most, if not all his members would participate in the November 8 election.

Representatives of the Police and Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station, Nnewi, CPS Udenigwe Chinwuba assured the PWDs of adequate security to ensure they participate in elections.

“It’s your right to participate in election without being intimated. Our duty is to provide and guarantee adequate security through synergy with other sister agencies,” he said.