One of the leading Disability Advocacy Organization, TAF-Africa, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for given persons with disabilities a sense of belonging in the off-circle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

TAF-Africa, which is being bankrolled by the European Union, had deployed 30 trained observers in each state, particularly in polling units with the highest number of registered persons with disabilities.

Addressing journalists in Yenagoa, Chief Executive Officer of TAF-Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, lauded the electoral body for providing assistive tools for persons with disabilities and for given them access to priority voting in line with the electoral act.

Represented by the team leader to Bayelsa governorship election, Mr Muyiwa Aderibigbe, applauded lauded INEC for providing Braille ballot guide for the blind, large graphic posters for the deaf, and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism to aide them  in voting.

Ambassador Epelle, noted that there was improvement in the participation and overall experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) during the election, in contrast to the general election held earlier in the year.

While acknowledging the efforts made by INEC in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for PWDs in the electoral process, the founder of TAF-Africa, however observed some challenges that needed an urgent attention and remedial action.

According to him, the findings of TAF-Africa showed an improved participation and overall experience of PEDs, uneven assistive tool development and voter inducement among others.

Ambassador Epelle, recommended to INEC for a standardized deployment of assistive tools, enhance security measures, strict enforcement of anti-inducement laws and well as continuous stakeholders engagement for subsequent elections.

The event also had in attendant, State Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Ekpomokumor Mayor, State Coordinator, election observers of Albino foundation Africa with Disabilities inclusion, Mr Mary Accrah-Bekeowei and other officials of EU and TAF-Africa.