Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has called for the prioritisation of the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the upcoming local government election in Anambra State.
The State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, in a statement on Tuesday, called for the removal of barriers that hinder their active participation in electoral processes in the state.
Okeke emphasised 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 how the minority are supported and empowered.
He reminded 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, he stated that the practice of excluding them 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 fix 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 emphasised 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 emphasised 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 organisations 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.
He further advocated for the implementation of measures to support the full integration of PWDs into the democratic system, citing the importance of their voices and perspectives in decision-making processes.
