INEC gives new rules to voters in Edo, Ondo elections

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.

Published By: Admin

Hon. CARL UMEGBORO is a legal practitioner (Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and human rights activist. As an advocate of conflict resolution through ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), he has acquired intensive training and has been inducted into The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) as an Associate. He is a prolific writer and public affairs analyst. Prior to his call to Bar as a lawyer, he has been a veteran journalist and columnist in all national newspapers, and has over 250 published articles in various newspapers to his credit. Barrister Umegboro is also a regular guest-analyst to many TV and radio programme on crucial national issues. He can be reached through: (+234) 08023184542, (+234) 08173184542 OR Email: umegborocarl@gmail.com

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