INEC to boost PWD participation in 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun discussions with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and other disability organizations to improve participation of individuals with disabilities in the 2027 general elections. The engagement aims to ensure that eligible voters with disabilities are informed, reached, and meaningfully involved throughout the electoral process.

Acting INEC Chairman, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, citing legal frameworks such as Section 54 of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. INEC has recorded 137,487 persons with disabilities, comprising various categories including visually impaired, hearing-impaired, and individuals with physical impairments or other disabilities.

Gumus urged JONAPWD and other organizations to take ownership of voter education efforts and reach out to members across disability clusters with information on registration, PVC collection, voting procedures, accessibility measures, and other election aspects. The engagement is part of INEC's broader efforts to ensure better informed participation by persons with disabilities in the upcoming 2027 general elections.