a PPE amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision
to hold elections during the coronavirus pandemic has been greeted
by skepticism in some quarters.
However, the Commission has published health guidelines it hopes
will help keep voters and officials safe throughout the
exercise.
On Saturday, these guidelines will be put to use in Edo state,
for the first time in a major election since the pandemic took
root.
According to INEC, infrared thermometers will be supplied and
used at the Registration Area Collation Centres, the Local
Government Area Collation Centres, and the State Collation
Centres.
The use of face masks has also been made mandatory for all
involved in the election process and must be worn at all election
locations.
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The Commission also says it will provide face masks for all
election officials.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are expected to be provided for
election officials at the polling units.
Methylated Spirit and cotton wool will be provided for the
disinfection of the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) after the fingerprint
of each voter is read.
The rules of physical distancing, the Commission says, will be
enforced at all election activities including stakeholder
engagements, training, queuing at Polling Units, etc.
Meanwhile, all protocols issued by the NCDC, Presidential Task
Force on COVID-19, State Committees on COVID-19, and other relevant
health authorities are expected to be observed by election
officials and all stakeholders.