The national elections management body IEBC through its chairman Wafula Chebuka on Monday said conducting elections amidst the Covid-19 pandemic puts the lives of its staff, voters and other stakeholders at risk.
Chebukati in a press statement shortly after calls for postponement of the upcoming December mini-polls said the commission has come up with guidelines to safeguard key players in the electioneering process.
He stated the commission had come up with protocols to ensure they carry out its constitutional mandate throughout every stage of all election processes which include voter registration, voting and counting of votes.
"The Commission notes in this context the need for careful navigation of the constitutional and legal parameters that govern the conduct and management of elections and have in this respect engaged constantly with MOH on what is required and what must be considered," noted Chebukati.
He went on to add that; "Health and safety routines have been equally incorporated into election-related procedures, to protect election staff and voters with tailored information packages to voters to stay informed and educate them on what is expected."
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IEBC now says it requires all staff, stakeholders and general public shall wear facemasks while participating in electoral activities.
The commission will also ensure alcohol-based sanitizers are placed in strategic locations for use by everyone participating in an electoral process.
Public gathering and meetings will not be allowed by the commission. This, IEBC says shall be enforced by the authorities in line with the Ministry of Health protocols.
Below are some more guidelines developed by IEBC;
IEBC shall also provide sufficient water at all election centres to ensure high standards of hygiene.
