Visually impaired voters decry absence of braille ballot papers

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Staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirm ballot papers for house of representatives during the electoral preparation at a local office of INEC in Port Harcourt, southern Nigeria, on February 22, 2019, a day before postponed voting day. Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP

Visually impaired voters at the training centre for the blind in Ogbomoso, Oyo State have complained that the electoral process was not convenient for blind people, because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused to provide braille ballot papers.

The blind voters, yesterday, received assistance and guidance from others during the accreditation process and casting of votes at unit 13, Ward 9, Ogbomoso north.

A visually impaired Joseph Alabi said they would have conveniently voted for the party of their choice without aid, if adequate and befitting materials were provided.

He said: “They should have provided us with braille. They made use of braille in Osun State last year, during the last governorship election. So, if they give us the same thing in Oyo State, it will make the voting process easier, and there won’t be need for anyone to hold our thumbs.”

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