TAF Africa, a disability inclusion champion organisation, has expressed concern over the non-provision of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the Edo governorship election.

Jake Epelle, TAF Africa’s chief executive officer, expressed the concern during a briefing at the PWD Election Hub in Benin on Saturday.

Mr Epelle said the inclusion of PWDs in the electoral process was a critical aspect of achieving true democratic participation.

“Our observers noted that the written instructions for the deaf (form EC 30E PWD) were deployed across all observed polling units.

“Other critical assistive tools, such as braille ballot guides for the blind and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, were absent in several locations, including centres with registered voters requiring such aids.

“For instance, at Olua Primary School, Uselu I-VI, PU 008, a blind voter could not cast his vote independently due to the absence of a braille ballot guide, with polling officials confirming that they were not provided with any,” he said.

He noted that the Electoral Act mandated the provision of assistive tools.

Mr Epelle said it was observed that the heavy downpour in the early hours of the day impeded the movement of PWDs to their polling units.

“The rain also caused delays in the commencement of accreditation and voting in several polling units, as confirmed by INEC ad hoc staff.

“These delays further discouraged the turnout of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, who often face additional logistical challenges in accessing polling stations,” he said.

Mr Epelle, however, commended INEC ad hoc staff for giving priority voting rights to persons with disabilities across the polling units visited.

He recommended urgent provision of the necessary assistive tools, including braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses, to all polling units with registered PWD voters before the close of the voting process.

Mr Epelle recommended continuous training and sensitisation of election staff on the importance of making polling units more accessible.

He also called on INEC to have improved communication channels to allow voters with disabilities to report any issues they encounter in real-time.

Mr Epelle assured that TAF Africa would continue to observe the Edo election as it progresses and provide updates on the experiences of voters with disabilities.

(NAN)