From mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to building a more inclusive electoral process, with special attention to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), as it decentralizes Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The assurance came on Monday during the closing session of a sensitization meeting with disability community leaders, held at the Centenary Hall of Ibeto Hotel, Abuja.
the Director of Gender and Inclusivity at INEC Headquarters, Mrs. Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, described the deliberations as “highly productive” and reflective of international best practices.
“We can agree it has been a fruitful deliberation. Everyone has contributed; we have practiced on how to use the CVR online platform,” Bello said.
“This is a great opportunity to enhance registration at the ward level for our community because it will make it easier.”
Bello emphasized that decentralizing voter registration to the ward level would not only bring the process closer to communities but also address long-standing challenges of accessibility faced by PWDs.
She also highlighted INEC’s ongoing collaboration with partners such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), which she said had been “instrumental in grassroots sensitization and data collection efforts.”
“We are aligning with international best practices to remove barriers and create accessibility,” Bello noted.
“We need to remember that persons with disabilities are out there in large numbers. We are representatives here to ensure they are carried along.”
A key point in her address was the call for accurate disability data. Bello urged all participants—including those not seeking new registrations, transfers, or updates—to visit the INEC portal and indicate their type of disability.
This step, she explained, was critical for the Commission to design and provide appropriate assistive materials, ensuring that PWDs can fully participate in the 2027 general elections and beyond.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the INEC FCT Disability Desk Officer, who commended participants for their active engagement.
