As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the upcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections the commission said the use of face masks at polling units is compulsory stating that any voter without face mask will not be allowed to vote.
The commission also warned politicians and voters not to use branded face masks with party or campaign symbols at polling centres.
Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, a National Commissioner and the Chairman of the Electoral Operations and Logistics Committee, of INEC, said this on Wednesday during a virtual briefing with newsmen.
“Wearing of branded face masks will constitute campaign and anyone who wears such marks will be turned away. Also, INEC will not share face masks for voters. The media should start a national campaign for donation and distribution of masks. People can also improvise. A major part of the challenge here is cost. If we are to provide masks for about 6.4 million voters that will participate in the elections that is about N640M and this is something that can be done by voluntary organisations”.
“Continuous Voter Registration is suspended but electronic channels would be made available for voters to check their status. One of the most challenging issues will be the recruitment of staff. The National Youth Service Corps may not fully mobilise the Corp members and school may still be on strike. The commission has directed its staff to start conversation with the NYSC. We are thinking ahead in this case. We have regulation and guidelines for supplementation of adhoc staff.
“The stand of INEC is that collection of PVCs is inauspicious at this time. We just came out of a general elections and there have been opportunity for people to collect their PVCs. Both at this time, due to so many factors and the health protocols, just handful of people may be able to collect. Again, If we are to open the door for in Edo and Ondo states, people may argue that same should be done for the by-elections”, he stated.
