The Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Anugbum Onuoha, has called for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, PWDs, in political activities and electoral processes in the state.
Professor Onuoha made the call while speaking at a press conference organised to brief journalists on the level of preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the forthcoming elections in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the REC, the commission is deeply concerned that persons with disabilities have continued to be sidelined and excluded from mainstream political activities by political parties in the state.
He expressed regret that none of the political parties in Akwa Ibom State has made deliberate efforts to include persons with disabilities in their ongoing political activities, ranging from party meetings to campaign engagements.
Professor Onuoha described the development as unfortunate and contrary to the principles of inclusive democracy, noting that persons with disabilities constitute a significant portion of the population and have the right to participate fully in the political process.
He stressed that democracy can only be said to be complete when every eligible citizen, regardless of physical condition, is given equal opportunity to contribute to political decision-making and governance.
The REC explained that INEC, at the national level, has put in place several measures to promote inclusivity, including the provision of assistive materials for persons with disabilities during elections.
He noted that the commission has provided braille ballot papers, magnifying glasses and other support systems to enable persons with disabilities to vote with ease and without discrimination.
However, he lamented that these efforts by INEC will have limited impact if political parties themselves continue to exclude persons with disabilities from their internal activities and party structures.
Professor Onuoha therefore urged political parties in Akwa Ibom State to be deliberate and intentional about including persons with disabilities in their programmes, leadership positions and candidate selection processes.
He said political parties should create wings or desks for persons with disabilities, just as they have for women and youths, to ensure that their voices are heard and their interests are protected.
The REC also called on civil society organisations and disability advocacy groups in the state to engage political parties and demand greater inclusion and representation for their members.
Speaking further at the press conference, Professor Onuoha updated the public on the level of preparations being made by INEC for the forthcoming elections in the state.
He disclosed that the commission has been working round the clock to ensure that all necessary materials, logistics and personnel are in place for the smooth conduct of the elections.
The REC also reminded political parties in the state of the need to comply with electoral guidelines, particularly as it relates to the submission of names of their polling agents.
He stated that political parties are expected to submit the names of their polling agents to the Electoral Officers in the 31 local government areas of the state before the stipulated deadline.
According to him, early submission of the list of polling agents will enable the commission to properly accredit them and ensure that they are duly recognised at the polling units on election day.
Professor Onuoha warned that any political party that fails to meet the deadline for the submission of its polling agents may not have its agents accredited for the elections, as INEC will not extend the deadline.
He also used the opportunity to assure residents of Akwa Ibom State that INEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process.
The REC said the commission has held several meetings with heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on how to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections.
He assured eligible voters that the commission is committed to creating a safe and secure environment where voters can come out and cast their ballots without fear, intimidation or harassment.
Professor Onuoha said INEC is determined to ensure that every vote counts and that the will of the people is respected, adding that no form of electoral malpractice will be tolerated.
He further appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and to eschew violence, hate speech and other acts that could disrupt the electoral process.
The REC urged youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used as tools for electoral violence, but to rather contribute positively to the democratic development of Akwa Ibom State.
He also called on the media to be objective, professional and responsible in their reportage of the electoral process, and to avoid spreading fake news that could cause tension in the state.
Professor Onuoha reaffirmed the commitment of INEC in Akwa Ibom State to conduct free, fair, credible and inclusive elections that will meet the expectations of all stakeholders and reflect the true wishes of the people.
