The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a framework for the conduct of elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is reflective of the governorship polls in Edo and Ondo States holding on September the 19th and October the 10th this year.
Apart from the governorship polls, four postponed bye-elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Plateau States has also been scheduled by INEC. Other bye-elections due to hold during the COVID-19 pandemic will be announced by the commission according to it.
Part of the guidelines for voters will include the provision of infrared thermometers at collation centres, mandatory use of face masks, provision of face masks for all electoral officers, provision of alcohol based sanitizers at polling centres, disinfection of smart card readers after the fingerprint of each voter is read.
INEC says it will also ensure the enforcement of physical distancing while voluntary COVID-19 testing will be made available for INEC Staff.
For INEC staff, the commission says it will evaluate all electoral activities to conform with the COVID-19 guidelines, update and track performance over time, while also engaging stakeholders in strategic consultation.
The policy framework is geared at enabling INEC officials to understand and respond adequately to the concerns of conducting elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click for policy framework: inec-guidelines-for-elections-during-coronavirus
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