The All-Right Foundation (TAF) Africa has knocked the Independent National Electoral Commission for failing to provide assistive tools for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the ongoing off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State on November 16th, 20224.

The foundation, in its preliminary reports for the election coverage, signed by the Executive Director, Mr. Jakes Epelle, disclosed that to promote the electoral rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), it deployed 20 citizen observers and 5 roving media observers across the state to monitor INEC’s compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, to ensure inclusivity during the country’s elections.

Mr. Epelle stated that, while the commission has improved in some areas, it has not met expectations regarding critical concerns for PWDs, and that further improvements in the electoral process are required to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities.

TAF Africa stated that INEC failed to deploy some assistive tools that would make the voting process easier for PWDs at several polling units, in violation of the Electoral Acts, which require the electoral commission to comply with all of these provisions.

“Braille Ballot Guide: This was not provided in polling units with registered blind voters, such as PU St. Thomas Church 1 (PU Code 029, Gbogi/Isikan, Akure South) and Oke-Emeso Registration Area, Ward 5, Unit 008. Blind voters had to rely on assisted voting, which compromises the secrecy and independence of their vote.

“Magnifying Glass: In Ward 6, Oba Ile, Akure North, a voter with albinism was initially denied priority voting and later allowed after intervention. However, the magnifying glass required for her to vote independently was not provided.”

Mr Epelle also criticised the electoral commission for failing to bring ‘Form EC 40H’, which would aid in classifying and capturing PWD voter information at various polling units, resulting in an inability to keep a complete record of PWDs in various voting points.

TAF also said while many voters with disabilities were granted priority voting, some of the staff of the commission did not show consistency in the practice, making it difficult for some PWDs to fully exercise their franchise rights during the poll.

“Form EC 40H, which is essential for capturing and categorizing PWD voter information and statistics, was missing in some polling units with registered voters with disabilities. For instance, this was observed in Igoba/Isinigbo Registration Area, Ward 5, Units 008, 022, and 028 in Akure North Local Government.

“Inconsistent Priority Voting: While many voters with disabilities were granted priority voting, some others were not bringing about inconsistencies. TAF Africa commends the polling officials who adhered to the policy of granting priority voting to persons with disabilities in many polling units. This practice is essential to reducing the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the voting

In some of its recommendation, the foundation called on INEC to correct the gaps it has observed in its monitoring of the Ondo election in the subsequent election for more robust measures to ensure that elections are accessible, inclusive, and equitable for persons with disabilities.

“INEC must ensure the provision of Braille Ballot guides, magnifying glasses, written instructions (Form EC 30E PWD), and other necessary tools in all polling units with registered voters with disabilities.

“ Provide comprehensive training for polling officials on the rights and needs of PWDs to eliminate inconsistencies in priority voting and ensure compliance with disability-inclusive policies.

“ Deploy Form EC 40H Consistently: This critical form must be made available at all polling units to collect accurate data on PWD voters and improve planning for future elections.