By Jake Epelle, CEO/Founder TAF Africa

As Ondo State prepares for the 2024 governorship election, TAF Africa acknowledges the substantial progress made in advancing a more inclusive electoral environment.

This election cycle marks a crucial highlight, with both advancements in inclusive electoral practices and remaining challenges that must be addressed to ensure the active participation of all eligible voters, especially persons with disabilities (PWDs).

With 2,053,061 registered voters, including 1,782 people with disabilities, this election represents an important opportunity for broader participation.

It is commendable that 1,757,205 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected, leaving only 295,856 uncollected, a low percentage of 14.4%. However, the lack of specific data on PVC collection by persons with disabilities remains an oversight. Comprehensive and disaggregated data is critical to advancing electoral inclusivity for all.

Furthermore, we recognize the commendable candidature of Barrister Myson Adeyemi Nejo, a person with physical disability, who stands as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate.

This is a remarkable step toward increased representation for the community of persons with disabilities, considering no PWD candidate contested in the recent Edo State governorship election.

However, we are saddened to hear about the decision of the ADC candidate to withdraw less than 48 hours before the election. This unfortunate turn of events diminishes inclusive representation efforts and emphasizes the need for robust support systems for PWD candidates.

With 2,053,061 registered voters, including 1,782 people with disabilities, this election represents an important opportunity for broader participation

Pre-Election Key Observations

▪︎Violent Clashes and Security Concerns: We noted with concern the pre-election violent incidents, such as the attacks by political thugs in Idanre Local Government Area, which have instilled fear and apprehension among voters, particularly those with disabilities.

While INEC has taken proactive steps by training security personnel to provide a tranquil electoral environment, sustained efforts are essential to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of all voters.

 ▪︎Lack of Disaggregated Data: While the number of PWDs registered as voters is noted, there is no data on PWD-specific PVC collection.

This lack of disaggregated Data obstructs comprehensive analysis and planning for accessible elections. INEC’s commitment to collecting and reporting detailed data on PVC collection by PWDs in future elections is imperative to achieving full electoral inclusivity.

▪︎Withdrawal of a PWD Candidate:

The withdrawal of Barrister Myson Adeyemi Nejo, the only PWD candidate, less than 48 hours before the election is a significant setback for disability inclusion.

His presence on the ballot would have provided representation for PWDs in political leadership, a vital factor in promoting inclusive governance. This highlights the need for stronger advocacy and support mechanisms for PWD political aspirants.  

▪︎ Financial Inducement Concerns: Reports of pre-election financial inducements threaten the integrity of the electoral process. The use of money in elections can unfairly influence voters, particularly those in vulnerable communities, including PWDs. Electoral stakeholders must take stronger measures to ensure transparency and guard against financial manipulation.

TAF Africa’s Deployment Plan

TAF Africa is committed to monitoring INEC’s compliance with its obligations to provide assistive tools and accommodations to ensure accessible voting for persons with disabilities, as mandated by the Electoral Act 2022, Section 54, Sub-sections 1 & 2.

TAF Africa will deploy twenty (20) trained stationary observers to polling units in each local government area with the highest numbers of registered persons with disabilities.

In addition, five (5) roving media observers will be assigned to monitor and document INEC’s provision of assistive devices, such as Braille ballot guides for the blind, magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, large font posters for the deaf (Form EC 30 PWD), and priority voting for persons with disabilities.

TAF Africa’s observation efforts are supported by our upgraded election observer app, which facilitates real-time data transmission from observers in the field to the PWD election hub, through our election monitoring dashboard.

This data-driven technology enhances the accuracy, speed, and responsiveness of our reporting, enabling timely insights into the electoral environment and compliance levels.

Our observers will record data on the availability and accessibility of assistive tools, the prioritization of PWD voters, and the quality of the electoral environment.

This information will provide a clear assessment of the degree to which inclusive voting standards are upheld.

Recommendations To facilitate an inclusive, fair, and peaceful election, TAF Africa urges the following:

▪︎Security agencies should strengthen their presence in identified flashpoints, such as Idanre Local Government, to prevent violence and maintain order and provide security escorts for PWDs where necessary to ensure their safe access to polling units.

▪︎Full INEC Compliance with Accessibility Standards: We urge INEC to ensure that all necessary assistive devices, such as Braille guides, magnifying glasses, and instructions for the deaf, are available at polling units with registered PWD cluster that needs them. Priority voting for PWDs must be enforced to create a dignified voting experience.

▪︎Strengthen Data Collection for PWD Inclusion: INEC should ensure disaggregated data collection and publication on PVC distribution among persons with disabilities. This data is essential for identifying gaps in electoral accessibility and fostering PWD participation.

▪︎Systematic Support for PWD Candidates: Political parties should establish frameworks to support PWD candidates to counter challenges, especially last-minute pressures that may compel them to withdraw. This support is crucial to sustaining the gains of inclusivity and ensuring representative governance.

▪︎Address Financial Inducements in Elections: INEC, security agencies, and anti-corruption bodies should take decisive action to prevent and penalize the use of financial inducements in the electoral process. For an election to be fair and unbiased, it is essential to make sure that voters are not unduly swayed.

While we commend the governorship candidates for signing the peace accord through the National Peace Committee on the 8th of November led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, we urge all political stakeholders to commit to a non-violent election and respect the principles of free, fair, and inclusive elections in actions.

A peaceful election will encourage broad participation and build confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Through our deployment of trained observers and real-time data-driven reporting, we are poised to contribute meaningfully to ensuring that PWDs participate equally and freely in the 2024 Governorship Election.

We will provide periodic updates based on observations and findings from the field.

The successful participation of PWDs in the Ondo State election will set a positive precedent for future elections, moving Nigeria closer to achieving a fully inclusive democracy. God bless the good people of Ondo State.    ·