Edo guber: Group advocates strict adherence to Electoral Act, protection for PWDs

Benin, Edo – With less than 10 days to the Edo state governorship election, security agencies have been charged to prioritize the safety of Persons living with disabilities (PWDs) before, during and after the election.

A group, under the aegis of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) gave the charge in a press conference Thursday, in Benin City, the Edo state capital.

The association called for an inclusive, safe, accessible and effective deployment of assistive materials during the poll schedule for September 21.

According to IFA, security agencies should ensure strict adherence to the Electoral Act which stipulates that PWDs must be attended to first, at polling units to further protect them against any form of harassment and intimidation.

The association which commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for it improvement called on the commission to make voting centers disability-friendly, ensure election day instructions are posted in visible locations to guide PWDs as well as ensure ballot boxes are placed where they can vote independently.

They also called on the media to ensure the participation of PWDs in the process should be adequately reported, and as well, include sign language interpreters during results collation broadcasts, to allow for hearing impaired voters to follow the process.

While highlighting barriers discovered in the 2023 general elections and off-circle elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states respectively, IFA enjoined INEC to comply fully with the country's electoral laws to ensure PWDs are not disenfranchise in the process of exercising their voting rights.

The press briefing delivered by IFA's programs manager, Molly Joshua and Edo chairperson of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ann Ojugo, had in attendance representatives of security agencies, civil society, Edo disability community and the media who in their remarks advocated the need for an all-inclusive and hitch-free process.