INEC to work out modalities for Edo, Ondo guber polls

.Releases resumption guidelines

The Independent National Electoral Commission has reiterated that it has not postponed dates fixed for governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo states but will work out modalities for the ramping up of activities in the  two states.

The Commission also said it will liaise with the security agencies and health authorities on resumption of work in the two states as soon as possible.

This was part of decisions taken by INEC on Thursday as it deliberated on the step by step protocol for the resumption of activities and operations as well as preparations for the conduct of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections and other pending senatorial and state Assembly bye elections.

Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a press statement in Abuja in Thursday.

He also said the Commission will resume engagement with political parties, civil society groups and organisations, the media and other stakeholders in relation to the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.

Okoye said “the modalities for these engagements will be worked out and considered at its next meeting on May 14, 2020”.

During Thursday’s meeting, Commission resolved to carry out comprehensive decontamination of its National Headquarters, annex at Blantyre Street, the Electoral Institute and its Area 10 office housing its staff clinic.

He said INEC will follow the Federal Government guidelines on resumption protocols and procedure by providing infrared thermometers, soap and water at entrances and installing hand sanitizer dispensers at strategic points in the Commission.

According to the Commissioner, INEC is set to train its staff, particularly the cleaners and office assistants on cleaning protocols and strict compliance with Federal Government guidelines as well as its own specific protocols for resumption.

However, Okoye said the Commission will issue comprehensive guidelines for the first phase of its resumption in compliance with the directives of the Federal Government and health authorities, adding that these guidelines will be posted on its notice boards and uploaded on the website of the Commission on Monday May 11, 2020.

He said that “Directors and other designated Staff of the various Departments will resume at the National Headquarters on Wednesday May 13, 2020 after the decontamination of the premises and provision of necessary amenities as outlined earlier in this statement.

“Only staff below 58 years of age  with no serious underlying health issues will resume, while pregnant women, nursing mothers and all other staff with underlying health conditions should remain at home for the time being”.