Foundation tasks INEC on seamless participation of PWDs in Anambra guber poll

By Praise Chinecherem

The All-Rights Foundation, TAF-Africa has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take steps to ensure Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) participated in the election process with ease.

Senior Program Officer, TAF Africa, George Anwayi gave the advice on Tuesday in Awka, Anambra at a 2-day Able to Vote capacity building Workshop for the media ahead of November 8 gubernatorial election in the state.

He said the training funded by European Union and themed, “Bridging media and the Disability community for inclusive participation in Anambra” was to advance disability-inclusive electoral coverage in the State.

According to him, democracy as government of the people, by the people and for the people cannot be said to be true if a section of the people is not carried along.

“It is important that INEC as the electoral umpire takes reasonable steps to ensure that PWDs participate in the election process with ease,” he stated.

Underscoring the importance of understanding disability and intersectionality in elections, Anwayi warned that toxic environment through negative attitude might not encourage PWDs from voting.

He also took an overview of Section 54 sub section 1 and 2 of Electoral Act which according to him significantly make provisions for persons with disabilities.

“Subsection 1 is particularly intentional about making provision for assisted voting and the procedure for assistance open to the INEC,” he explained.

TAF Africa’s Senior Communication Officer, Lynn Agwuncha stressed the need for inclusive program that would adequately take care of persons with disabilities.

Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Lagos, Edetaen Ojo while delivering paper on “Reframing the media narrative on disability” argued that Nigeria could not afford to leave the 30million people with disabilities behind in the scheme of things.

He called on the media to join efforts towards changing the negative stereotypes against PWDs.