By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Wednesday, demanded for fully inclusion of people living with disabilities (PWDs) in the 2024 Anambra State Local Government election.
JONAPWD, in a statement signed by the Anambra State chapter Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, argued that including the PWDs would help to showcase the true value of democracy in the September 28 Council poll.
Okeke, who observed that PWDs make up a significant portion of our population, and their voices, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping our communities and governance, noted that excluding them from the electoral processes would mar the process.
According to him, this could be by placing ballot box where it will be difficult for them to access it, harassing any person helping persons with disabilities with any means of transportation on a election day by security agents and political parties fixing their meetings without considering the accessibility and reasonable accommodations for pwds.
He further added that regarding them as people who can not hold leadership/elective positions would not only be a disservice to them but also a failure on the part of relevant stakeholders to uphold principles of equity and fairness in representation.
His words, "It is penitent to note that as a society, we are judged not only by how we treat the majority but also by how we support and empower the minority. It is crucial that authorities, political parties, and electoral bodies take proactive steps to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the upcoming local government election as provided in sections 52(1), 53(1,2,3) and 54 of Anambra State Disability Rights Law.
"To achieve this, polling stations, campaign events, and election materials must be made accessible to persons with disabilities. Also, conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the rights of persons with disabilities and the importance of their participation in the electoral process can help combat stigma and discrimination. Sensitizing electoral staff and volunteers on how to interact with and assist persons with disabilities is also crucial.
" Political parties and candidates should actively engage with organizations representing persons with disabilities to understand their needs and concerns. Providing training to electoral staff on how to assist persons with disabilities without compromising their dignity and autonomy is essential. Moreover, offering support services at polling stations, such as guiding individuals with visual impairments or providing specialized equipment, can improve the voting experience for all.
"Encouraging persons with disabilities to run for office and actively supporting their candidacies can lead to a more diverse and representative government. Ensuring that their voices are heard in decision. The active participation of individuals with disabilities in the electoral process is not only a fundamental right but also essential for the development of a more inclusive and representative democracy."