The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), in partnership with TAF Africa, has launched the “Able-to-Vote” campaign, a voter education campaign designed to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria’s political process in Edo state. This campaign, funded under the EU-SDGN II program, marks a significant step towards empowering PWDs ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.
TAF Africa’s Assistant Program Manager, Mr. George Anwayi, in his opening remark underscored the need for reasonable accommodations for PWDs during elections. He stated that creating an enabling environment and providing assistive devices are crucial to ensuring that PWDs can participate fully and effectively in the electoral process, thus safeguarding their rights and promoting democratic inclusion.
“The challenges faced by persons with disabilities during elections can and must be addressed. Providing assistive devices, ensuring accessible polling units, and early arrival of officials at polling stations are key to a more inclusive process,” Mr. Anwayi stated.
The event, which held in Benin City, gathered representatives from various disability clusters, including their leaders, to address the unique challenges faced by PWDs in exercising their voting rights. It reflects the European Union’s commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard in Nigeria’s democratic process, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.
Participants at the event made several recommendations aimed at improving the voting experience for PWDs. They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the timely arrival of election materials and staff at polling units to avoid disorganized processes that often disproportionately affect PWDs. They also urged INEC to provide more assistive devices to make the voting process smoother and more inclusive.
The “Able-to-Vote” campaign is part of the effort by the European Union to promote democratic governance and ensure that marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, are fully integrated into Nigeria’s electoral system. Through this campaign, the EU continues to highlight its commitment to upholding democratic values and creating an inclusive political environment in Nigeria.