By; SOLOMON O. PINAOWEI, Kaduna
The Centre for Citizen with disabilities (CCD), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure inclusiveness of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the forth coming Anambra Gubernatorial Election.
The Centre made the call on Monday at a zoom meeting held to access the preparedness of INEC towards the Forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election.
The theme of the meeting which was tagged “Equal Voting Access (EVA) for PWDs Report on the 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election: An Assessment of INEC Preparations for Persons with Disabilities Participation in the Election Nov. 1, 2021”.
Had in attendance INEC Officials , Media And Stake Holders.
While making the presentation , Director of the Centre , Mr David Anyaele, Revealed that Many People with Disabilities in Anambra State are worried about the high rate of insecurity and activities of unknown gunmen in Anambra State, but would love to exercise their franchise and participate equally in the electoral process in Anambra State, if there is a high level of visible security, protection of lives, properties and improvement in their voting access needs and demands, then they will come out and participate in the electoral and voting process on November 6th 2021, and in future elections.
In the light of the above plight of People with Disabilities the Centre called on all stake holders to ensure all preparation are in place
The Centre Called on INEC to recommend provision of Braille ballot jackets and papers for the blind and allowing them come to the polling units and box with their trusted aides.
Also Ensuring equal access to polling units which is in line with the provisions of the National Disability Law.
Provide election materials, especially Form EC40H, by ensuring that INEC Adhoc staff understand and familiarize themselves with this form to ensure that PWDs have access to the form at all polling stations.
Provide disability desks at each INEC offices in each Local Government Areas in Anambra State.
Provision of Umbrellas for the Albinos and giving them priority, as their skin is prone to skin cancer under prolonged sun exposure.
On the Part of Security , the Centre called on the security agencies to provide adequate security with mandate of protection of lives of citizens and voters in Anambra State especially PWDs.
“Weekly security briefs and reports with the aim to improve Security intelligence and boost the zeal of PWDs to participate in the forthcoming November 6th, 2021 governorship elections in Anambra State”.
The Centre also made a plea to the Media to help Create more awareness and enlightenment on the National Disability Law, Anambra State Disability Law and INEC policy framework on disability.
Mainstream PWDs issues in high level voter education and publicity in all the LGAs of the State.
Dr Adekunle Ogunmola , Commissioner for INEC assured that the Commission will ensure totally compliance of the all inclusiveness frame work of the Commission.
He also explained that while most of the calls made by the centre will be looked into and ensuring that the right of PWDs is not denied , the suggestion to produce Umbrella for the Albino’s may not be possible for now ,he assure that PWDs will be giving high priorities at pulling Centres.
