By Huseyn Abubakar Mbar
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Bauchi state said on Friday that it would provide brail papers and magnifying glasses for physically-challenged persons during the forthcoming elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, said this in Bauchi during a sensitization forum for the physically-challenged, organized by the commission.
“The commission has procured magnifying glasses for Albinos as well Tactile Braille Ballots and Ramps for easy access.
“This is in line with INEC’s framework on access and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral to enable them play active roles in public life.
“We tested it during Toro Federal Constituency by-elections conducted by the commission in 2018 and it was helpful,” Abdullahi said.
He reiterated that all marginalized groups would be mainstreamed into the electoral process.
“This is hinged on the belief that all stakeholders are critical to the entire electoral process and the credibility and integrity of any electoral process is judged,not only on its transparency, but also on its level of inclusiveness and participation.
“I therefore, call on the leadership of these groups to liaise with Desk Officer of the commission, to identify areas of concentration of their members to enable the commission assist them,” he said.
He also called on stakeholders to assist the commission to enable these special persons exercise their civic rights.
The State Chairman, People with Disabilities (PWDs), Malam Adamu Bala, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the session that the forum was the first of its kind extended to his members.
Bala, a dumb, who spoke through his Secretary, Alhaji Tijjani Bayero, expressed delight that all the 25,000 members of the association would vote during the polls.
He called on the commission to engage some of his members who had degrees and other higher certificates as `ad hoc’ staff during the election. (NAN)
