OSUN LG ELECTION: OSSIEC Gives Assurance On Access And Participation Of Persons With Disabilities (PWDS) In The Electoral Process

Sent in by Sadiat Isiaq

Assurance has been given that solid arrangement will be put in place by Osun State Independent Electoral Commission in order to assist the physically challenged in casting their votes,without any hitch, in the forthcoming local government election in the State of Osun.

The Chairman of OSSIEC, Otunba Olusegun Oladitan gave this assurance while receiving members of the Albino Foundation and People With Disabilities who made a courtesy call on him in his office.

While assuring them of the Commission's support at all times, the OSSIEC boss promised that all contesting albinos and the physically challenged will be considered for lesser nomination fees in the forthcoming council elections. He then encouraged them to hold up their heads and aspire for the best in life, adding that their is ability in disability.

In his contribution, Mr Kehinde Ogunbihuntan appealed to the  Commission to employ persons with disability as election observers and adhoc staff during the election.

While advising that sign language experts should be employed in the training of people with hearing disability to enable them officiate in the election, Mr Ogunbihuntan further pleaded that they should also be allowed to hold sensitive positions in the forthcoming election.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disability, Mr Oluwafemi Stephen appealed to OSSIEC to make election guide materials available to the physically challenged to enable them exercise their franchise without let or hinderance.