The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has established protocols that will be used to conduct six looming by-elections in the era of Covid-19.
IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has said the regulations were established in collaboration with the Ministry of Health which is headed by CS Mutahi Kagwe.
Here are new IEBC protocols for Covid-19:
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- All staff, stakeholders and general public shall wear face masks while participating in electoral activities.
- Alcohol based sanitizers placed in strategic locations shall be used by everyone participating in an electoral process.
- The Commission in collaboration with other authorities shall enforce the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on all social and political gatherings including meetings and crowds.
- A one and a half (1.5) meters physical distance shall be implemented in all places including polling/registration centres, offices, and stakeholder engagement meetings.
- Frequent cleaning of all surfaces and objects shall be done as well as ensuring that indoor spaces/venues have adequate ventilation to increase air circulation.
- Electorates are encouraged to bring and use their own items such pens or writing materials where applicable to reduce chances of sharing.
- Temperature checks shall be carried out with non-contact thermo guns to ensure that those with high temperature (more than 37.5 degrees Celsius) are advised to seek medical attention.
- The Commission shall provide soap and water at all entry and exit points to promote high standards of hygiene.
- Persons with proven pre-existing medical conditions as well as elderly people, the disabled, lactating mothers, pregnant mothers and the sick will be given priority.
The by-elections are set for Mswambweni Parliamentary seat as well as Kahawa Wendani, Kisumu North, Dabaso, Wundanyi/Mbale and Lake View wards.
Campaigns in the said areas officially commenced on October 15 and will run until December 12 ahead of the December 15 mini polls.
