The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) to guarantee that people with disabilities (PWDs) are included in the electoral process.

The Group asked INEC to make sure that every polling place was level and that voters were given priority when they arrived.

Grace Jerry, the Executive Director of IFA, made the announcement on Thursday in Benin during a pre-election press meeting.

Jerry declared that the organisation was still dedicated to promoting a free, fair, credible, inclusive election in the State.

Jerry asked INEC to make sure that the election act is strictly followed. He was represented by Ann Ojugo, the state chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

She also urged INEC to require poll workers to complete PWD form EC 40H, as this would give the organisation vital data that would improve planning and reduce expenses.

To guarantee its timely and efficient distribution, the Braille ballot guide should be made available and classified as sensitive material by INEC.

Voters with disabilities should be able to cast ballots independently if ballot boxes are placed in easily accessible locations.

Jerry, on the other hand, urged the security services to give PWDs’ safety first priority so that they are not the targets of violence or intimidation.

Yiaga Africa’s Program Director, Cynthia Mbamu, spoke as well and urged INEC and security agencies to conduct themselves impartially and professionally throughout the election.

Mbamu declared, “We at Yiaga Africa want the state’s PWDs and IFA to be involved in the electoral process. We stand in solidarity with them.

“As the political parties wrap up their campaigns, I haven’t seen any of them interact with the state’s disabled population.

“We would like to demand that they make sure inclusive ads are implemented, acknowledging the PWDs of more than 30 million individuals.

In her opinion, everyone