The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said voters without their face masks would not be allowed to vote during the elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) briefing on COVID-19 on Thursday in Abuja. According to him, “Voter without facemask would not be allowed to vote on election day. We urged the voters to cooperate with our officials and the security agents at the polling centres.”

Yakubu also stated that measures like physical distancing of about two meters would be applied, while hand sanitizers would be used.
The INEC boss also cautioned voters against touching the surfaces and leaning on walls at the voting centres as this would be prohibited.
He also stated that the commission had produced ten points voters video conduct, which had been distributed in the two states.

Speaking on electronic voting, the INEC boss said the commission could not employ this system now because the laws had not permitted it.
He, however, stated that electronic balloting would be used in Anambra election in 2021 since the law allowed for electronic balloting and not electronic voting.

Speaking on the same election at another forum, INEC National Commissioner on Information and Voter education noted that the use of branded nose masks would not be allowed during the elections. Okoye noted that “this requirement is part of measures to combat the spread of Coronavirus pandemic during and after the September 19 and October 10 elections in Edo and Ondo states respectively.

He added that the Electoral body is also working with presidential task force on COVID-19 to make available infrared thermometers in all polling units during the election. The commissioner assured that the security agencies would be on ground to ensure the safety of the electorate.

” We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of everyone including our electoral officers. Okoye said adhoc staff would be paid on time but advised them to do the needful by giving their correct account details after they have been giving their letters of appointment.