CSOs list PWD accessibility gaps during Osun guber

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and Situation Room have presented an accessibility report on the Osun election as it pertains to persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Christiana Njoku, a representative of CCD who observed the election across select polling units, said accessibility gaps were identified.

The monitoring exercise showed that some polling units were inaccessible to PWDs.

CCD also said there was absence of form EC40H, which documents voters with disabilities requiring assistance, including at Olorunda local government area, Agowande ward, polling unit 20, BCGA 003, and the Agowande ward open space polling unit, Ajibade.

In spite of the gaps, CCD said there were positive measures, which includes the provision of canopies, priority voting for PWDs and elderly persons, signages for the auditory impaired, and the presence of security operatives at polling units.

The centre urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its oversight and monitoring functions to ensure that polling units are accessible and that important provisions are regularly provided for PWDs during elections.

CCD said they are committed to working with relevant stakeholders to promote citizens’ participation, particularly among PWDs, and to support efforts meant to protect and strengthen democratic processes in Nigeria.

Source: The Cable