The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given new rules that voters must comply with to be able to freely participate in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
The Commission has made mandatory the use of face masks for individuals before they can exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states.
This is part of measures approved by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 in collaboration with the commission to ensure the safety of voters during the Edo, and Ondo governorship polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is mandatory for every voter to wear a face mask or face covering without which the voter would not be allowed to vote,” the Chairman of the electoral body, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja Thursday.
The INEC boss while giving insight into the nature of face masks voters are expected to wear during the elections, said the electorates do not need surgical masks to cast their ballots.
He explained that “a face covering will be sufficient for a voter to be accredited to vote.”
‘Two Queues’
To ensure physical distance during the elections, Professor Mahmood said INEC is introducing two queues in the polling areas.
“One outside the polling area and the other, inside the polling area,” Professor Mahmood said while stressing that “within the inner queue, voters must maintain the mandatory two-meter or six feet distance and we clearly marked this in one of the by-elections we conducted recently.”
In the polling units, voters must also avoid touching surfaces or leaning on walls, the INEC boss added.
‘Obeying All Directions’
For voters who have a high temperature, cough, or are sneezing, the commission said there is a protocol by the body.
“They must obey all directions from officials to stop other voters from getting infected,” said the INEC boss.