From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that it would deploy Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to serve as supervisors, monitors, collation and returning officers during next year’s general elections.
It also disclosed that in its determination to serve the physically challenged better, it needs more and reliable data on disability, particularly locations with the largest concentration of PWDs.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a campaign to promote the mainstreaming of PWDs in the electoral process organised by Albino Foundation in Abuja, yesterday.
He also promised to dismantle all barriers against inclusion of PWDs in elective and leadership positions.
“The introduction of assistive devices such as the Braille ballot guide, magnifying glasses and posters for the deaf were all products of our engagement with the disability community. In implementing the provisions of Sec. 54 of the Electoral Act 2022, we will continue to engage with the disability community without which the commission cannot provide the appropriate interventions needed to facilitate their full participation in the electoral process,” he said.
Founder of Person with Albinism, Jake Epelle, revealed that no fewer than 700 PWDs would be deployed as election observers for next year’s general elections in partnership with INEC.
“We are deploying for the first time sign language interpreters for the two houses of the National Assembly and their salary to be paid for three years. We also need to attach a sign language interpreter to the INEC chairman wherever he goes,” he said.