COVID-19: INEC Approves New Guidelines For Upcoming Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a new policy framework known as Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic.

In a statement released by Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee on Thursday; the policy document would be made available by INEC on 25 May 2020.

The provisions would be applied to the conduct of gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states scheduled for September 19 and October 10, respectively, as well as other by-elections to be conducted soon in seven states.

In his words;

โ€œThe general purpose of the Policy is to enable officials and staff of the Commission to understand and respond adequately to the challenges of conducting elections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

โ€œIt is also to provide a guide for engagement with stakeholders as they prepare for elections.

โ€œThe clean copy of the policy document, which will be released on Monday, May 25, covers health and legal issues, election planning and operations, election day and post-election activities.

โ€œIt also covers voter registration, political parties, election observation, electoral security and deployment of technology.

โ€œConducting elections in a pandemic such as COVID-19 is yet uncharted waters. Only very few jurisdictions have any experience with this.

โ€œThat notwithstanding, the Commission is committed to conducting all elections that are due within the extant legal framework..

โ€œHowever, in so doing it will put a premium on public safety and mitigation of health risks from COVID-19. Citizens must be assured that they will be safe while participating as voters, candidates and officials.

Commission remains committed to raising public confidence in the electoral process in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic and to regularly communicate its actions and challenges to the public,โ€ he said.

Mr Okoye also revealed that due to the end of tenure of Edo and Ondo Governors, INEC would flag off robust engagements with its critical stakeholders to present the policy document by meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on May 30 ahead of the election.

Mr. Okoye stated that the meeting would be followed by that of political parties on June 1, civil society groups on June 2, and the media on June 3.

Mr Okoye emphasized that for the Edo and Ondo guber elections, the commission had received the official declaration of vacancies for four senatorial districts and read reports of the passing of a senator and four members of some State Houses of Assembly.

He stated;

โ€œAs of today, the Commission is planning for nine by-elections across seven states of the Federationโ€

The by-elections are Bayelsa Central and West Senatorial Districts, Imo North Senatorial District, Plateau South Senatorial District and Cross River North Senatorial District.

Others are Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State; Bayo State Constituency, Borno State; Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State; and Bakori State Constituency, Katsina State.

โ€œThe provisions of the Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections,โ€ Mr Okoye reiterated.

He urged all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols issued by the health authorities.

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