TAF Africa, a non-profit organisation, has called for enhanced security measures that can help to prevent or respond swiftly to incidents that threaten voters’ safety during elections.
The Programme’s Manager of the group, Mr George Anwayi, made the call at a news briefing in Owerri to assess the participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Saturday’s elections.
Anwayi said that considering the security breaches in Imo and Kogi, security agencies should adopt proactive measures to deter and respond to any acts of violence that could undermine the electoral process.
He said that TAF Africa undertook a comprehensive observation mission during the 2023 off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo.
Anwayi said: “Our primary focus was evaluating the compliance of INEC with the deployment of assistive tools for PWDs, access to priority voting as well as the overall experience of PWDs at the polls.
“The specific assistive tools included the braille ballot guide for the blind, large graphic posters for the deaf and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism.
“In a positive development, there was a notable improvement in the participation and overall experience of PWDs during the 2023 off-cycle election, in contrast to the general election held earlier in the year.
“TAF Africa acknowledges the efforts made by INEC in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs in the electoral process,” he said.
He, however, said that observation uncovered that there was uneven deployment of assistive tools in the observed states.
He said that Bayelsa recorded the highest percentage of deployment at 61 per cent based on the 30 selected polling units (PUs), while Kogi and Imo experienced low deployment at 36 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively.
He further said that it raised concerns about the inconsistency of INEC’s implementation of disability-inclusive measures.
“TAF Africa notes with concern the recorded incident of PWD voter inducement in the off-cycle states.
“For instance,at St. Luke Secondary School, Agudama Epie PU, Epie ward 1, Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa, some party agents engaged in vote buying, thereby causing chaos and disorderliness in the place.
“This challenges the integrity of the electoral process and emphasises the need for heightened vigilance and enforcement of electoral laws to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.confidenceral environment.confidence, safety and security of voters in subsequent elections,” Anwayi said.
The group urged INEC to establish and enforce a standardised protocol for adequate and equitable deployment of assistive tools across all states and PUs with registered PWDs during elections.
According to him, this will contribute to a more consistent and inclusive electoral process.
Anwayi further urged political parties and relevant authorities to enforce strict penalties against voter inducement.
“This will help maintain the integrity of the electoral process and foster a transparent and accountable political environment.
“We encourage continuous collaboration and engagement between INEC, political parties, security agencies, PWDs and Civil Society Organisations.
“Regular consultations will facilitate the identification and resolution of challenges, promoting a more inclusive and accessible electoral process,” Anwayi
