TAF Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation with passion for the inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), on Friday, bemoaned the lack of PWD representation in the candidacies of the 18 political parties contesting the Edo state governorship election holding on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The group, at a pre-election press conference held in Benin City on Friday, regretted that “Despite the increase in registered voters with disabilities, we note with concern that no persons with disabilities are contesting in this election. Out of the 17 political parties fielding candidates, only one is female, and no persons with disabilities are contesting. This reflects the continued underrepresentation of Persons with disabilities in political leadership and decision-making positions”
Speaking at the press conference, Jake Epelle, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, TAF Africa said that the body was determined to reaffirm its determination “to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in the electoral process. We will actively observe the election to ensure that it is credible, transparent, inclusive, and accessible to all. Commitment to ensuring that eligible voters with disabilities cast their votes in a fair and accessible environment.”
He added that “According to official data, 2, 629,025 voters are registered for the Edo election, including 4,199 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).This reflects an increase in the engagement of PWDs since the last governorship election in 2020 in the state. However, as a civil society organization championing the rights of persons with disabilities, we recognize that much remains to be done to ensure that all voters, particularly those with disabilities, can participate without hindrance or discrimination.”
“TAF Africa remains committed to assessing the operational application of the Electoral Act provisions affecting PWD participation. We will deploy a comprehensive observation team and leverage cutting-edge technology for real-time reporting on issues related to disability inclusion.
“In line with our mandate to promote inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral processes, TAF Africa is deploying a team of 20 trained stationary observers across polling units with registered persons with disabilities in Edo State. In addition, we have assigned 5 roving media observers to monitor the election across different regions. Our observers are specifically tasked with assessing the compliance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Section 54, Sub-sections 1 & 2), which mandate the provision of assistive tools for persons with disabilities. These tools include Braille Ballot guides for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, written instructions for the deaf, and ensuring priority voting for persons with disabilities.
“TAF Africa has upgraded its election observer app, in a bid to enhance the quality and efficiency of our observation efforts. This app will facilitate real-time data transmission from our observers to our PWD Election Hub, where the data will be analyzed, aggregated, and accessed through our election monitoring dashboard. This technology-driven approach will allow us to swiftly document and report any irregularities and ensure prompt advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities during the election.” Epelle stressed.
The group regretted that voter apathy and security concerns had drastically reduced voter turnout saying that “the declining voter turnout in previous elections (from 32% in 2016 to 27% in 2020) coupled with ongoing economic and security challenges, may result in further apathy. The likelihood of election-related violence also presents a significant concern for the safety and mobility of persons with disabilities. This is largely due to the perceived irregularities in previous elections and security volatility. Addressing this trust deficit requires proactive action from INEC and other stakeholders to build confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.”
He therefore urged INEC to abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, Section 54, Sub-sections 1 and 2 to provide assistive tools for PWDs participating in the Edo election., just as he tasked all registered PWDs voters in the state to come out and exercise their rights to vote for the candidates of their choice.
The organisation also tasked the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to actively report on issues concerning the participation of PWDs in the Edo election, saying, “The media and CSOs play a critical role in ensuring transparency in the electoral process. They should hold INEC and political parties accountable for delivering a free and inclusive election.”
