The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday said it was making arrangements to ensure the active participation of persons with disabilities in the 2011 elections.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said this at a national conference on ‘Mainstreaming persons with disabilities into Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process,’ in Abuja. The event was jointly organised by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, the International Republican Institute and INEC.
Jega was represented at the event by INEC’s Director of Voter Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu. He explained that available statistics put the number of persons living with disabilities at about five per cent of Nigeria’s population of 150 million. He assured that measures would be put in place to register persons without fingers during the listing of voters in January.
He said that during the elections, such persons would be allowed to bring trustworthy individuals to assist them in casting their vote.
According to Jega, “Even with the keen interest in the political processes, there is a tendency in most cases to exclude some marginalised groups, among which are persons with disabilities. Yet, these are also bona fide citizens of this country whose involvement is necessary to deepen and strengthen the system.
“As we have repeatedly said in the past, our commission is determined to create a level playing field for every eligible Nigerian to fully participate in the electoral processes.”
He assured political parties that INEC would work with them and other stakeholders to deliver credible elections.
The National President, JONAPWD, Mr. Danlami Basharu, called for the involvement of persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
He said, “Credible elections can only take place in a conducive and secure atmosphere and environment that makes it possible for all to participate. The critical issue for persons with disabilities is one of lack of full inclusion in the national polity.”
The team leader of the Peace and Democratic Governance Unit, United States Agency for International Development, Nigeria, Ms. Minnie Wright, said the rights of persons with disabilities should be respected.
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