It is no longer news that the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected the electoral processes in Nigeria. This has led the Independent National Electoral Commission create a policy that would guide the conduct of elections amid Covid-19 era which is as follows:
- Infrared thermometers will be supplied and used at the registration Coalition Centres, whether they are Local Government Area Coalition Centre or State Coalition Centre.
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The use of face masks is compulsory for both the electorates and the officials of the Commission, including all security agencies at all election locations.
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Alcohol-based sanitizers will be provided by the Commission at all election locations.
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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.
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The physical distancing rules will be enforced during the electoral process.
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.The Commission shall work with the PTF and health authorities to have in place a system of voluntary
COVID-19 testing for INEC staff before and after deploying for elections. -
The Commission shall work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and health authorities in the States having elections to develop a protocol for dealing with persons who show symptoms of COVID-19 at election venues.
The Commission also intends to “pilot the use of electronic voting machines at the earliest possible time (not Edo and Ondo) but work towards the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections starting from 2021”.