The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, commends the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the creation of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, GID, for the purpose of proactive and effective implementation of programmes and activities.

According to the CCD, the department would address issues of critical concern to women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in Nigeria electoral process.

It says the creation of the department means that women and persons with disabilities issue would be represented by a senior official of director cadre at the highest INEC policy table, unlike in the past where issues of women and persons with disabilities were squeezed under Voter Education and Publicity department of INEC with limited opportunity for presentation of issues of concern to women and persons with disabilities.

Its Executive Director, David Anyaele said the creation of the new department for women and inclusivity is an evidence of INEC commitment for the implementation of their policy on Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, in the Electoral Process.

He notes that part of the objectives of the framework is to strengthen the Commission as an institution that is inclusive in its human and financial resources and in its practices and process.

Anyaele states that they are pleased to note that INEC has renewed its commitment to proactively communicate its policies and programmes to the Nigerian people and effectively engaging and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in the electoral process.

He reiterated the groups commitment towards supporting INEC measure on enhancing Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process, through their program on Equal Voting Access for persons with disabilities by generating and sharing of evidence for inclusive electoral process free from discrimination on the grounds of disabilities

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