... A Call to Strengthen Electoral Inclusion and Accountability
Sunday, 22nd September 2024 | Akure, Ondo State Nigeria
As the dust settles on the Ondo State Governorship Election held yesterday, November 16, 2024, TAF Africa extends its profound gratitude to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to the peaceful conduct of the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Elections. As an organization committed to enhancing the participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political and electoral processes, we deployed 20 stationary citizen observers and 5 roving media observers across polling units with registered PWD voters to assess the inclusivity of this election.
Our observation mission was guided by a singular goal: to evaluate the compliance of INEC with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Section 54, Subsections 1 & 2) for inclusive elections, which mandate the deployment of assistive tools and the prioritization of PWD voters. While this election presented an opportunity to reinforce inclusive democratic practices, the findings from our team paint a concerning picture that requires urgent attention if Nigeria is to achieve a truly inclusive democratic process.
KEY FINDINGS
1. Rampant Vote Buying and Electoral Malpractices
Our observers documented widespread and brazen acts of vote buying. For instance, at St. David Primary School, Ijomu, Akure South, voters were given coupons that were ticked by party agents after confirming their ballots and were given monetary rewards at a designated spot. This unacceptable practice undermines the credibility of our elections and diminishes voter trust.
2. Non-Deployment of Assistive Tools for PWDs
Despite explicit legal mandates, critical assistive tools such as Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses were glaringly absent in polling units with registered blind voter and voters with albinism. This was observed in St. Thomas Church 1, PU Code 029 Gbogi/Isikan in Akure South, Oke-Emeso Ward 5 Unit 008, and several others across Ondo State. Blind voters were forced to rely on assisted voting, undermining their right to privacy and independence.
3. Partial Deployment of Form EC 40H
Form EC 40H, critical for accurately documenting PWD voter information and statistics, was not deployed in multiple polling units, including Ward 5 Units 008, 22, and 28 in Akure North. This gap hinders the accurate representation of PWDs in electoral records and the planning of future elections.
4. Denial of Priority Voting Rights
While priority voting was commendably upheld in some polling units, violations were reported. In Ward 6, Oba Ile, Akure North, a person with albinism was initially denied priority voting until our observers intervened. Similarly, in Polling Unit 4, Ward 2, Ode Irele, a voter with a physical disability had to wait until the queue reduced before being allowed to vote.
5. Inaccessibility of Polling Units
Instances of inaccessibility were common, as seen in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government, Oke-Igbo 1, Polling Unit 13, where a little person was unable to insert their ballot paper independently due to the height of the ballot box, and it was not lowered to enable his independent participation. Similarly, an elderly voter with physical disability in Open space Opposite mango tree 1 PU 20, Ondo west local government area faced significant mobility challenges due to the absence of transportation on election day and the long distances he had to walk to get to his polling unit.
6. Low Voter Turnout
Voter turnout was notably low, signalling potential voter apathy, which could worsen if systemic barriers to participation are not addressed.
7. Security Concerns
Ballot box snatching was reported in Ofosu/Onisere Ward, Idanre LGA, threatening the safety and security of voters, especially PWDs, who are disproportionately affected by electoral violence.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To address the systemic challenges highlighted above, TAF Africa calls on key stakeholders to take the following actions:
1. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
· Ensure full compliance with the Electoral Act by deploying all assistive tools, including Braille Ballot Guides, magnifying glasses, and Form EC 40H, in all polling units with registered PWDs in subsequent elections.
· Strengthen the training of election officials to prioritize PWD voters and enforce compliance with disability-inclusive provisions.
· Strengthen measures to curb vote buying, including enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
· Invest in public awareness around the provisions of the electoral act in line the participation of persons with disabilities in electoral processes.
· Invest in the redesign of polling infrastructure to guarantee accessibility for PWDs, including ballot boxes and pathways.
2. Government and Policy Makers
· Collaborate with stakeholders to develop accessible transportation systems on election days, ensuring mobility for PWDs and the elderly.
· Strengthen existing electoral laws to include stricter penalties for non-compliance with disability inclusion mandates.
3. Civil Society Organizations and Development Partners
· Facilitate voter mobilization and education efforts to counter voter apathy, with a focus on disability inclusion.
· Monitor and report on the compliance of electoral processes with disability inclusion standards.
4. Political Parties
· Commit to supporting PWD candidates through mentorship, funding, and capacity-building programs to enhance their representation.
· Promote accountability by discouraging vote buying and other malpractices among party agents.
5. Media:
· Mainstream disability inclusion in election coverage to spotlight the challenges and successes of PWD voters.
· Advocate for PWD participation in governance and electoral processes.
6. Security Agencies:
· Address electoral violence and intimidation to create a safe environment for all voters, particularly vulnerable populations.
· Investigate and prosecute individuals involved in vote buying at the polls.
7. Persons with disabilities
· Register with political parties as Bonafide members and vie for elective positions in subsequent elections to increase the number of PWDs representation in elective positions.
The Ondo State Governorship Election has illuminated significant gaps in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process. While commendable efforts, such as occasional instances of priority voting, were observed, these were overshadowed by widespread violations of PWD rights. TAF Africa reiterates its commitment to advocating for an electoral system that truly embodies the principles of equity, accessibility, and inclusivity.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, we urge all stakeholders to prioritize disability inclusion not as an afterthought but as a cornerstone of democratic integrity. The time for action is now.
Thank you.
Signed:
Amb. Jake Epelle
CEO/Founder,
TAF Africa
For media inquiries, please contact Lynn Agwuncha at +234 (0) 706 809 1367 or email l.agwuncha@tafafrica.co
