The Anambra State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure adequate provisions for their members during elections.

Chairman of JONAPWD in the state, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, told newsmen yesterday in Awka that persons with disabilities experienced some challenges during the last general elections.

Okeke said there was a lack of accessibility to some facilities where polling units were located for physically challenged people, especially those in wheelchairs.

Global growth to plunge below 3% till 2028 – IMF

He also said that there were no sign language interpreters for the deaf voters, and forms EC40H and EC30E were equally not available.

“We also observed the non-availability of braille ballot papers for the visually-impaired voters and magnifying glasses for persons with albinism.

“Again, there was a lack of cooperation by some INEC ad-hoc staff. These challenges marred the efforts at ensuring inclusive voter participation during the exercise,” he said.

Okeke urged INEC to address the challenges to prevent voter apathy and ensure enduring inclusive voter participation in subsequent elections in the state.

He, however, commended the