TAF AFRICA, an organisation advocating for persons with disabilities (PWDs), says it will deploy 150 observers and 25 sign language interpreters for the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF AFRICA, Amb. Jake Epelle, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement on preparations for a disability-inclusive election held in Awka.
Epelle said the interpreters would be deployed to high-density areas with persons who have hearing impairments.
He noted that PWDs have the right to priority voting, allowing them to cast their ballots before others or as soon as they arrive at their polling units.
Epelle urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure inclusivity in practice by protecting PWDs during the election.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a disability-friendly election.
Agwu said efforts were underway to ensure PWDs participate as both voters and electoral officials, adding that non-sensitive materials had already been distributed to local government areas.
She stated that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were fully configured for 5,720 polling units and 183 split units, with an additional 1,000 as backup.
According to her, INEC would also deploy tools such as braille guides for the visually impaired, magnifying glasses for people with albinism, and form EC30 for the hearing impaired.
“There will be no hitches. We have alternative networks and backups in Anambra, and I am under no pressure to deliver anyone. Voter apathy seems the biggest threat, so I urge residents to vote instead of staying home or engaging in leisure activities,” she said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, SP Ikenga, said the police were undergoing regular training to ensure a peaceful and inclusive election.
He explained that the restriction of movement during elections was a security measure, not a punishment, and advised voters to go early to their polling areas.
Similarly, Mr Edwin Okadigbo of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said the agency had activated its PWD desk to ensure that voters with disabilities were not intimidated, discriminated against, or disenfranchised.
Participants at the engagement included members of the disability community, media professionals, and civil society representatives.
(NAN)