Voting is one way that individuals may exercise their voice, but participation in electoral processes is more than just voting: it includes the ability to take part in the conduct of public affairs, the opportunity to register as a candidate, to go on campaigns, to be elected and to hold office at all levels of government. While major hindrances impeding the participation of people with disabilities in Nigeria have been discussed, it is important to also look at what the law says.
Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018
In January 2019, right before the country headed to the polls for its general elections, the Federal Government signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. According to its explanatory memorandum, “The Act provides for the full integration of persons with disabilities into the society and establishes the National Commission for People with Disabilities and vests the Commission with the responsibility for their education, healthcare, social, economic and civil rights.”
While ensuring the protection and provision of rights to people with disabilities across all areas, the Act explicitly states that the Federal Government will “promote an environment” that encourages people with disabilities to participate in politics.
INEC Framework on Access and Participation of PWDs 2019
Following a series of consultations with internal and external stakeholders dealing with persons with disabilities and the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), INEC went on to release a document it dubbed, The Independent National Electoral Commission Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDS) in the Electoral Process.
The policy document seeks to position disability issues as an integral part of election matters at all phases, including PWDs in all aspects of the elections, and also reducing barriers that might hinder said participation as voters, aspirants, candidates, party officials, and staff within the Commission. Notable objectives of the framework include: Strengthening the Commission as an institution that is inclusive in its human and financial resources as well as in its practices and process; Work with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the development of accessible electoral facilities and infrastructure; Encourage the participation of PWDs in all aspects of the electoral process; Establish strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote access and participation of PWDs in the electoral process etc.
Plans for the Future?
As part of its plans to strengthen the electoral process in Nigeria, INEC, after a stakeholder meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, has also announced steps to be taken to ensure participation of people with disabilities. According to the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, the commission has set up plans to establish a disability desk at the national headquarters, all state offices, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, formulating policy for persons with disabilities, providing various assistive devices during elections, among other things.
Other plans include the development of an electoral database on persons with disabilities that will accommodate staff, voters, and candidates.
While the Federal Government and INEC have continued to show a commitment towards a more inclusive elections process, it seems to be dragging its feet at not just the implementation process, but effective monitoring and evaluation of already implemented structures.
