Edo 2024: INEC make case for persons with disabilities

Benin, Edo – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is committed to making 2024 governorship election in Edo State more inclusive, with provision of assistive device for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, said this during a technical session on implementation of the INEC’s inclusivity tools in the election, on Monday, in Benin City.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) with the support of MacArthur Foundation.

Prof. Ajayi, also the chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee (OPC) of the commission, was represented by Mrs. Dorathy Bello, a director in the commission.

Ajayi said the non-negotiable minimum of a credible and democratic electioneering process was its inclusivity.

“That is the ability of all stakeholders to access and participate in the electoral space based on equality.

“Section 54 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022 and other legal instruments empower the commission to take reasonable steps to ensure that PWDs, special needs, and other vulnerable persons are given support at the polling unit by the provision of assistive devices.”