The ongoing Osun State governorship election is witnessing visible efforts to ensure an inclusive voting process, with persons living with disabilities and elderly voters participating in the exercise at Atile AUD Polling Unit in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
Speaking with Voice of Nigeria, the Head of Persons with Disabilities in Irewole Local Government, Akano Tope, said the participation of persons with disabilities in the election showed that the electoral process was making room for all categories of voters.
According to him, persons with disabilities in the area have been able to cast their ballots, while attention is now being given to elderly voters who may require additional assistance.
“Voting represents us well. All people with disabilities have cast their votes, and the elderly are being considered next,”Akano said.
At Atile AUD Polling Unit, Polling Code 003, Registration Area 09, Irewole Local Government, elderly voters were given special consideration, with seats provided for them while they waited to participate in the electoral process.
As of 8:55 a.m., several elderly voters were seen seated within the polling area, while other voters queued for accreditation and voting.
The arrangement is part of efforts at the polling unit to ensure that voters who may have difficulty standing for long periods are not disadvantaged in exercising their franchise.
Meanwhile, heated arguments broke out between some party agents and security personnel over access to the polling booths.
The disagreement reportedly followed attempts by some party agents to move closer to the voting area, which security operatives resisted in an effort to enforce restrictions around the polling booths.
The situation generated arguments between the agents and police officers, although security personnel remained at the polling location to maintain order and prevent overcrowding around the voting area.
Party agents were subsequently expected to remain within designated areas while monitoring the conduct of the election.
Despite the disagreements, voting activities continued at the polling unit, with voters taking their turns to complete the accreditation and voting process.
The presence of persons with disabilities, elderly voters, party agents, security personnel and election observers at the polling unit reflects the broad range of stakeholders participating in the Osun governorship election.
