TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to ease the voting process for People living With Disabilities (PWDs). 

Speaking at a session organised by the Policy and Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation in Abuja, Lukonaya Bello, INEC’s director of gender and inclusivity, said the commission has made provisions for materials meant to help PWDs during elections.

The session centred on inclusive elections and reviewed accessibility for PWDs during the 2023 general election.

“INEC is determined to ensure that every eligible voter is enabled to vote and participate in the democratic process,” Bello said.

“This is about making the process accessible by ensuring accessibility of the polling units and advocacy to stakeholders.”

Bello implored the different PWD groups to cooperate with the commission to ensure overall improvement of the country’s electoral system.

She said INEC is ready to build an electoral system where every eligible voter, irrespective of their ability or disability, is empowered to contribute to building the nation’s future.

She appreciated PLAC and MacArthur Foundation for their commitment to disability inclusion in the electoral process.

Clement Nwankwo, the executive director of PLAC, expressed concerns over the inability of some groups of persons to participate in the electoral process and governance.

Amina Saliyu, the deputy director of MacArthur Foundation, said it is important to enhance disability inclusion so as to make lives better for PWDs.