By; USMAN NASIDI, Kaduna
In an effort to ensure total inclusiveness ahead of the 2023 forthcoming general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kaduna State, has organized a one-day voters education and sensitization programme for visually impaired persons on the use of braille ballot come February 25, and March 11, 2023 general elections.
The event which was meant to educate and sensitize visually impaired persons who are not versed in braille to learn how to use it and with the braille ballot guide, was held over the weekend at Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Ag. Director Gender and Inclusivity, Mrs. Lakunuya Dorathy Bello explained that voting can be difficult for persons with vision impairment, while the potential for error is high, as ballot papers are not produced with their disability in mind.
Represented by Bilksu Abdulsalam, she added that voters who are blind or have low vision are particularly at risk of compromised access to printed ballots and other electoral materials essential to participate effectively in electoral processes, with specific regard to ballot casting, in which such persons very often have the right to vote independently and in secret.
“In recognizing the rights of People With Disabilities (PWDs) as human rights, the commission within its mandate, has taken concrete actions to incorporate PWDs in the electoral process. Also in September 2018, INEC introduced braille ballot guide for use by voters with visual impairment during the Osun State gubernatorial election.
“The commission is doing its best to ensure that the electoral process in inclusive and accessible for all eligible Nigerians irrespective of his or her ability, because we understand that democratic process can only be credible and inclusive when all stakeholders are given equal opportunity to participate.
While reacting to the PWDs, the Kaduna head of department voter education and publicity, Rukayyatu Sani Imam, said that the commission has created a level playing ground for everyone to exercise his right, so the essence of the gathering with the Visually Impaired person is to educate them on the use of Braille on Election day.
She added that, the reason why they gathered all the leaders, is to educate them so that they will go back to their people and sensitize them, saying that they believe even if most of them didn’t go to school or have any western education, they can still identify the alphabets to know which party to vote with the little knowledge they have.
“The electoral act has mandated the commission to prove sensitive materials and that’s why we provide the blind with the braille, while those on wheelchair will be assisted round and magnifying glass will be provided for those with albinism, so anybody with any challenges as a PWDs will be assisted.”
While appreciating the commission’s efforts, Dr. Micah Shabi, the Executive Director Improvement In Respect To Social Status of Disability, disclosed that, It’s a big progress to Nigerian people living with disability and in particular, blind people.
He said, “the awareness today is for the blind people in particular and how blind people who are educated can use their hands without revealing their secret to anyone while voting on election day and for those who don’t know how to read, the law allows them to bring somebody who can assist them to vote the exact person who they want to vote for on that day.”
