IEBC says referendum and poll campaigns to be done via media

IEBC has released new COVID- 19 protocols detailing how referendum campaigns and shall be conducted.

According to the protocols released on Monday, campaigns will have to be conducted through social and mainstream media.

For areas where gatherings are inevitable, then the guidelines for crowd management will be followed. These measures will apply to all electoral activities, including elections and a referendum.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said the guidelines will be included in the code of conduct and will be signed by all parties before the start of campaigns.

During election day, the following measures will enhance prevention of the exposure to Covid-19:

• The Returning Officer shall ensure disinfection of all polling stations, sanitizers, clean water and soap are available in all polling stations.
• They will also ensure that polling stations have Personal Protective Equipment(PPE); they will make arrangements with county governments on standby ambulances – at least one ambulance per ward and ensure that a polling station is manned by a queuing clerk.

• On the eve of voting, the Presiding Officer  shall collect elections materials including the personal protective equipment from the returning officer.
• The presiding officer shall leave the tallying center for the polling station in the company of the deputy presiding officer and two security officers.
• On arrival at the polling station, the presiding officer shall confirm availability of election materials including Personal Protective equipment.
• Disinfection: The commission offices, meeting venues and registration centers will be thoroughly cleaned after use and disinfected prior to opening.
• The registration centre layout will be redesigned to comply with the protocols established by health authorities.
• Use of personal protective equipment and best practices: The returning officer and his team shall wear masks at all times. Where necessary, the RO and his team shall use face shields, gloves, disposable or rewashable caps, masks and neckstrips while attending to voters.

KEY POINTS:

• Ruto Dares Raila To Appoint His Brother Oburu Odinga As IEBC Chairperson(Video)
• MPs Pass Crucial Bill Giving Uhuru, Raila Power Over Ruto To Control IEBC
• Former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe urges Kenyans to pray for CJ Maraga
• Electronic Results Transmission Could Again Fail In 2022 Polls IEBC

• The number of visitors per visit will be limited to bear minimum (candidate and at most two agents).
• The other visitors or clients will wait outside until the time when the Registration Officer is ready to serve them. E-mail and other modes of communication will be highly  encouraged.
• The size of classes during the training will be reviewed downwards to a maximum of 20 meters. Equally open space will be used where it is more suitable.
• .Electorate are encouraged to bring and use their own items such pens or writing materials where applicable to reduce chances of sharing.

.