In an effort to ensure total inclusiveness ahead of the 2023 forthcoming general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Kaduna State, has organized a one-day voters education and sensitization programme for the physically challenged persons on the use of braille ballot.
The event which held in Kaduna is aimed at sensitizing the physically challenged persons on the use of braille, a form of written language for blind people in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that will be felt with the fingertips.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Gender and Inclusivity Mrs. Lakunuya Dorathy Bello explained that voting can be difficult for persons with vision impairment, while the potential for error was high, as ballot papers were not produced with their disability in mind.
The Acting Director, represented by Bilksu Abdulsalam said voters who were particularly blind or have low vision are at risk of compromised access to printed ballots and other electoral materials essential to participate effectively in electoral processes.
“In recognizing the rights of PWDs as human rights, the Commission within its mandate has taken concrete actions to incorporate them in the electoral process. INEC introduced braille ballot guide for use by voters with visual impairment during the Osun state gubernatorial election in September, 2018.”
“The Commission is doing its best to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive and accessible for all eligible Nigerians irrespective of their ability because we understand that democratic process can only be credible and inclusive when all stakeholders are given equal opportunity to participate.”
Also, the Kaduna INEC Head of Department Voter Education and Publicity, Rukayyatu Sani noted that the Commission had created a level playing ground for everyone to exercise his right.
She mentioned that was the reason of gathering all the Leaders to educate them so that they would in turn return to their people and sensitize them as well.
Rukayyatu said the Commission was hopeful that, even if most of the PWDs didn’t go to school or have any western education, they can still identify the alphabets to know which party to vote with the little knowledge they have.
“The electoral act has mandated the Commission to provide sensitive materials like the braille for the blind, while those on wheelchair will be assisted round and magnifying glass will be provided for those with albinism.”
While appreciating the Commission’s effort, Dr. Micah Shabi, the Executive Director, Improvement In Respect To Social Status of Disability disclosed that, it’s a big progress to Nigerians living with disability and in particular the blind.
He said, the law allows any physically challenged person to bring somebody who can assist them vote the exact person they want to vote for on the election day.
Mr. Micah Shabi, appealed to PWDs not to see the opportunity given to them as a privilege but as their right and they should start making it known to the general public
Cov/Teddy
