IEBC announces COVID-19 protocols ahead of six by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has developed protocols for conducting electoral activities in a COVID-19 environment.

Also Read: IEBC to hold 6 by-elections on December 15

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati said they have established the regulations in liaison with the Health Ministry.

“The protocols shall apply to the upcoming by-elections slated for December 15, 2020 and any other electoral activity that may be conducted under the COVID-19 environment,” he said in a statement on Monday,

Chebukati added that all stakeholders in the electoral process will be expected to strictly adhere to the protocols.

IEBC set a new date for the six by-elections after they were thrown into disarray in April following the coronavirus pandemic.

At the time, the electoral body expressed concern that guidelines on social distancing as well as the dusk-to-dawn curfew would affect polling.

The mini-polls are for the Mswambweni MP seat and five wards: Kahawa Wendani, Kisumu North, Dabaso, Wundanyi/ Mbale and Lake View.

Campaigns in Msambweni Constituency, Kahawa Wendani, Kisumu North, Dabaso, Wundanyi/ Mbale and Lake View Wards began on October 15 and will run up to December 12.

The new IEBC protocols for COVID-19 are as follows:

• 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.