Inclusive friends lauds INEC on disability inclusion

The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for over a decade of productive engagement and sustained collaboration in promoting disability-inclusive practices within the electoral process.

The commendation was made by the Chief Executive of the Association, Mrs. Grace Jerry, during an advocacy visit by IFA to the INEC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office.

Mrs. Jerry acknowledged INEC’s continued commitment to advancing the participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in elections and emphasised the need to further strengthen disability inclusion ahead of the forthcoming FCT Area Council Elections.

She stressed the importance of intensive training for election personnel, security agencies and political party agents on PWD-related issues to ensure improved sensitivity and responsiveness during elections.

According to her, such capacity-building would enhance the effective implementation of measures such as priority voting for PWDs and the deployment of assistive materials, including Braille Ballot Guides, among others.

She also pledged the support of the Inclusive Friends Association in providing technical expertise for the training of ad-hoc staff on disability inclusion and other aspects of the electoral process aimed at facilitating access and participation for PWDs during the Area Council Elections.

In his response, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), INEC FCT, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, welcomed the delegation and assured them that issues relating to Persons with Disabilities would continue to receive priority attention in the planning and conduct of elections in the FCT.

The Head of the ICT Department, Mr. Festus Aisien, disclosed that a total of 3,000 voters with disabilities had been registered in the FCT in preparation for the election.

The meeting, which was attended by the Administrative Secretary, management staff of INEC FCT and officials of the Inclusive Friends Association, also featured a presentation of IFA’s 2023 General Election Report, focusing on the participation of Persons Living with Disabilities in the electoral process.