INEC Trains Officers on Access and Participation of PWDs in electoral process
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Monday has commenced training of Disability Desk Officers on Access and Participation of PWDs in electoral process organized in partnership with European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).
In opening remarks, of a 5-Day BRIDGE Modular training, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Outreach and Partnership Committee, OPC, Kunle Ajayi said the Disability Inclusive Guide was almost completed ahead of the 2023 general election.
Ajayi disclosed that the Guide which is a tool for reference in mainstreaming disability issues in the electoral process, will further firm up the Commission’s resolve on electoral inclusivity to serve PWDs community better.
The National Commissioner noted that “Section 54 (2) of the Electoral Act 2022 and other legal instruments empower the Commission to take reasonable steps to ensure PWDs, special needs and vulnerable persons are given support at the polling place by the provision of assistive devices.
He further said the Commission also has as one of its core values, the creation of a level playing field for all stakeholders to participate in, especially the marginalised groups, including the PWDs,
Advising the participants he stated, “You are the leading contact points to provide strong support to the mainstreaming of disabilities’ issues into the electoral process at your various states, and to offer assistance to the capacity-building of election personnel for enhanced knowledge and response to PWDs’ matters during elections. This underscores the importance of the training, even more so, as the General Elections and stand-alone elections are upcoming.
“Expectedly, at the end of the training, the Desk Officers should better appreciate the various innovations and the changing dynamics on PWD electoral issues all built into the training modules of this 5-day programme, and also develop the capacity to cascade the training for a broader knowledge on issues on disability inclusion at your respective stations. As Desk Officers the Commission counts on your expertise as foot soldiers on PWDs responsive policies for effective coordination and implementation of its disability focal programmes as you will put the knowledge you acquire here to a good use.”
The BRIDGE Modular training is part of the Commission’s Strategic Plan of Action (SPA) designed to enhance knowledge and capacity of the Commission’s Desk Officers on the Commission’s PWDs’ policies.
