The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for over a decade of sustained collaboration and engagement aimed at promoting disability-inclusive practices in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The commendation was given during an advocacy visit by IFA officials to the INEC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Executive of IFA, Mrs. Grace Jerry, acknowledged INEC’s continued commitment to improving the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in elections. She called for further strengthening of disability inclusion ahead of the forthcoming FCT Area Council Elections.
Mrs. Jerry emphasised the need for intensive training of election personnel, security agencies and political party agents on disability-related issues to enhance sensitivity and responsiveness during elections. According to her, such capacity-building efforts would improve the effective implementation of inclusive measures such as priority voting for PWDs and the deployment of assistive materials, including Braille Ballot Guides.
She also pledged the association’s support in providing technical expertise for the training of ad-hoc election staff on disability inclusion and other electoral processes designed to improve access and participation for PWDs during the Area Council Elections.
In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for INEC FCT, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, welcomed the IFA delegation and assured them that issues concerning Persons with Disabilities would continue to receive priority attention in the planning and conduct of elections in the FCT.
Also speaking, the Head of INEC FCT’s ICT Department, Mr. Festus Aisien, disclosed that no fewer than 3,000 voters with disabilities had been registered in the FCT in preparation for the election.
The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretary, management staff of INEC FCT and officials of the Inclusive Friends Association. It also featured the presentation of IFA’s 2023 General Election Report, which focused on the participation of Persons Living with Disabilities in the electoral process.
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