INEC Assures PWDs Of Inclusive Electoral Process In Nasarawa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) fully participate in the electoral process in Nasarawa State through inclusive policies and targeted support.

Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Lafia during a courtesy visit by officials of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission.

Abubakar-Sadiq said that INEC remained committed to conducting elections that accommodate the needs of all eligible voters, particularly persons living with disabilities.

“We are for all, especially with inclusivity. We have high regard for persons with disabilities and give them priority attention in all our activities,” he said.

The REC said the commission would continue to deploy assistive materials, including magnifying lenses for persons with albinism and Braille guides for the visually impaired, to make voting easier for affected persons.

He urged the Disabilities Rights Commission to provide information on locations where persons with special needs reside to enable INEC adequately deploy the assistive tools to relevant polling units.

According to him, the collaboration will ensure that eligible voters with disabilities exercise their civic rights without difficulty.

Abubakar-Sadiq also assured the commission that persons with disabilities would be considered for engagement as ad hoc staff during elections where they indicate interest and meet the required conditions.

The REC said he had directed the commission’s operations and training departments to identify interested members of disability groups for possible appointment into suitable election duties.
“We want you not only to come out and vote but also to participate in the administration of elections. When the time comes, organisations of persons with disabilities can submit names of interested members, and we will assign them to locations that are convenient and suitable for their special needs,” he said.

The REC also reminded residents that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise had been extended from July 10 to July 26 and would now be conducted on weekends to enable more eligible Nigerians to register.

Earlier, Mr Sale Barde-Keana, Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission, congratulated Abubakar-Sadiq on his deployment to the state and pledged the commission’s support toward promoting inclusive elections.

Barde-Keana said the commission would work closely with INEC to ensure that persons with disabilities were adequately carried along in all electoral activities.

He commended the REC for engaging the disability community and urged him to sustain initiatives that would guarantee equal participation of persons with disabilities before, during and after elections.