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Report/Paper
Promoting Electoral Access for Citizens with Disabilities: Considerations for Nigeria, INEC-Civil Society Forum Seminar on Agenda for Electoral Reform, 27-28 November 2003, Abuja, Nigeria
The right to participate in and stand for election is a fundamental human right. According to Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the distinctions mentioned in Article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions: (a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives’ (b) To vote and be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors; (c) To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights sets an international standard for the conduct of the elections and the right of participation in that process. In reviewing the Constitutional and legal framework of Nigeria’s electoral process, it is important to ensure that this framework meets international standards, while taking into account the nation’s experience and political and social environment. The right of participation of “every citizen” is one that must be guaranteed by law and by the way the electoral process is conducted. In Nigeria, citizens with disabilities face legal as well as practical barriers to equal participation in the electoral process. However, this electoral review affords the opportunity to ensure that the rights of citizens with disabilities are protected by law and by practice. There is no reliable data on how many of Nigeria’s approximately 120 million citizens live with some sort of physical or mental disability. Nigerian census officials last submitted statistics on disability to the United Nations over 12 years ago, estimating at that time that .5 percent of the population was disabled. This figure is not comparable to the international norm and is a severe under-estimate. In the United States, at least 6% of population has some form of obvious disability – is blind or visually impaired; deaf; a wheelchair user or has an intellectual disability. However, with Nigeria’s incidence of polio, nutritional problems and difficulties with access to healthcare, the percentage of Nigerians with obvious disabilities is likely to be higher – perhaps 10% or more. With an estimated population of 120 million, that would be more than 12 million citizens with disabilities – half of whom are of voting age, at least some 6 million people. This, of course, does not take into account persons with hidden or even undiagnosed disabilities, such as learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc. Section 17(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution states that “every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before law.” Do the Constitutional and legal provisions governing the conduct of elections guarantee this right for those Nigerian citizens with disabilities? Are Nigerians with disabilities able to equally participate in and stand for election?
November 26, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
Reforming Critical Operational Strategies: INEC Post-Election Seminar, "2003 General Elections: The Lessons and the Way Forward" 28-30 July 2003
Constitutional provisions, electoral legislation, regulations and the policies and the administrative framework of the electoral management body all govern the means by which elections are conducted. Providing an opportunity for all eligible voters to choose their government representatives, through operations that are cost-effective, credible and secure is a major challenge for election management bodies. In reviewing the operational strategies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria in its conduct of the 2003 federal and state elections, it is necessary to examine the major areas of its operational approach. In any electoral environment, there are similar key issues for which effective solutions have to be found if election operations are to promote public confidence in the integrity and professionalism of electoral management, and acceptance of election results. Some questions to ask in conducting this review are: 1. What are the most suitable arrangements for voter registration and for voting? 2. What are the ways to ensure that registration centres and polling stations are run by trained and professional staff? 3. What materials can be used to ensure the credibility of the process? 4. What are the logistics strategies, to ensure the necessary materials are available and that the operations run efficiently? INEC’s operational strategies, within the legislative and administrative framework, dictate how the elections are conducted, and whether their outcome will be accepted by the participants. If the operational strategies are successful, all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate fully in the process; registration centres and polling stations open on time and the periods of operations are respected; materials are adequately supplied and properly used; all necessary registration and election staff are present and conduct their duties according to the law and regulations; and the election results are compiled in a transparent manner, announced in a timely fashion and accepted, leading to the inauguration of the newly-elected officials. Shortcomings in the operational strategies lessen the credibility of the electoral process and in confidence of the electoral management body, paving the way for future difficulties with regard to respect for the conduct of elections and the democratic process as a whole.
July 27, 2003
Election Material
Civic Education Material
L'utilisation du bulletin unique et l'esprit du scrutin a la proportionnelle!
“L’Utilisation du bulletin unique et l’esprit du scrutin a la proportionnelle!” is a booklet from 2001, available in French, which teaches readers how to vote in the March 2011 Municipal Elections in the Ivory Coast using the single ballot. The document, published with the help of GERDDES and the European Union, includes a mock ballot, instructions on what to bring to the polling station, and a brief overview of how members will be elected to the Municipal Council via proportional representation.
Election Material
Ballot
Cote d'Ivoire Deputes A L'Assemblee Nationale Ballot 2000
Ballot used for elections to the Parliament of Cote D'Ivoire on 10 December 2000. This ballot was used in the city of Adzope. Countrywide, the main parties in the election were the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and the Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire - African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA).
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Savoir utiliser le bulletin unique!
“Savoir utiliser le bulletin unique!” is a flyer, available in French, which explains to citizens of the Ivory Coast how to vote in the upcoming December 2000 Legislative Elections. The document, published in 2000 with the help of IFES, has a mock single ballot to help readers understand the process of unique vote. Information about the National Assembly and why voting is important is also provided.
Election Material
Ballot
Cote d'Ivoire Presidential Ballot 2000
Presidential election held in Cote d'Ivoire following the 1999 coup d'etat. Presidential election was held nationwide on 22 October 2000.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Guide des Representants des Partis Politiques
“Guide des Représentants des Partis Politiques” is a pamphlet from 2000, available in French, which serves as an informational guide for the political party representatives that will observe the running of the October 2000 Presidential Election in the Ivory Coast. The document, published with the help of the National Democratic Institute, details what the representatives should look for and what their responsibilities are. The pamphlet also contains various tables to fill with notes and observations.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Le Droit et le devoir de choisir
“Le Droit et le Devoir de Choisir” is a booklet from 2000, available in French, which stresses to citizens the importance of voting in the October 2000 Presidential Election in the Ivory Coast. The document, published with the help of IFES, also provides information on how to vote using the single ballot.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
L'Election du President de la Republique en Cote d'Ivoire
“L’Election du Président de la République en Cote D’Ivoire” is a pamphlet available in French, published by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, which describes various rules and regulations concerning the October 2000 Presidential Election in the Ivory Coast. The document, published in September 2000, informs readers of the necessary qualifications for candidates seeking to run in the election, what the voting process should be on the day of the election, and how results should be announced.
Election Material
Ballot
Cote d'Ivoire Referendum Ballot 2000
A used ballot paper and envelope from the 23-34 July 2000 Constitutional Referendum in Cote d'Ivoire. Voters were asked if they approved of the new draft constitution and electoral law.