Ahead of the Local Government Elections coming up in Anambra later this month, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has called for the prioritization of including persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, called in a chat with a TNC correspondent in Awka while speaking on the oncoming election.
He called for the removal of barriers that hinder their active participation in electoral processes in the state.
Okeke emphasized the rights and representation of PWDs in the political process and urged authorities including political parties to ensure their participation in the electoral process.
He said: “In every democratic setting, the essence of holding elections is to give a voice to every citizen, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented.”
Okeke regretted that despite significant progress recorded in promoting inclusivity in Anambra State, persons with disabilities continue to face some barriers that hinder their active participation in the electoral processes.
He stated that society is not just judged by how the majority are treated but also by how the minority are supported and empowered.
He noted that persons with disabilities make up a significant portion of the state’s population, adding that their voices, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping communities and governance.
Speaking further, the Anambra JONAPWD boss said the practice of excluding PWDs from the electoral processes such as placing ballot boxes where it will be difficult to access by persons with disabilities or harassing any person helping PWDs with any means of transportation on an election day by security agents, must be stopped.
Okeke condemned the actions of political parties, who he said fixed their meetings without considering the accessibility and reasonable accommodations for PWDs.
He called for a change of the mindset that PWDs cannot hold leadership and elective positions, stating that such thinking is not only a disservice to them but also a failure on the part of equity and fairness.
Okeke emphasized the need for proactive measures to be taken by authorities, political parties, and the electoral body in the state to comply with the Anambra State Disability Rights Law.
He emphasized that the participation of individuals with disabilities is not only a matter of fundamental rights but essential for fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy.
He listed actions like making polling stations and election materials accessible, conducting awareness campaigns, consulting organizations representing PWDs, providing training and support to electoral staff, and encouraging representation of persons with disabilities in political offices as ways to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in the election.
