The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring inclusive elections and equal participation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The commitment was reiterated at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the Commission’s disability interventions, which brought together leaders of various disability groups, including persons with visual and hearing impairments, persons with albinism and other disability clusters.

Speaking at the workshop, Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, said the Commission was taking deliberate steps to eliminate barriers that could prevent PWDs from participating fully in the electoral process.

Agboke explained that INEC had introduced measures to improve polling unit accessibility and provide assistive devices to enable persons with disabilities to vote independently while preserving the secrecy of their ballots.

He urged participants to share the knowledge acquired with members of their respective groups across the state, stressing the importance of widespread awareness in promoting electoral participation.

The REC also assured voters of adequate security arrangements to protect them against intimidation during elections. He further encouraged interested and qualified PWDs who had applied to serve as ad hoc election staff in forthcoming elections, assuring them that their applications would be duly considered.

In his response, the Ondo State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr. Abiodun Oluwasegun, commended INEC for its interventions to make voting more accessible to persons with disabilities.

Oluwasegun expressed optimism that the initiatives would encourage greater participation by members of the disability community in the electoral process.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Mrs. Awelewa Mojisola, representing the Director of INEC’s Gender and Inclusivity Department at the Commission’s headquarters.

She demonstrated the use of assistive devices designed to support voters with disabilities, including magnifying glasses, Braille ballot guides and posters for persons with hearing impairments.

Participants also engaged in practical demonstrations on how to use the devices effectively during elections.

INEC reiterated its commitment to strengthening electoral inclusivity and ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised because of disability.