Ahead of the governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that voters must wear face masks before they can be allowed to vote.
The INEC National Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who stated this in Abuja said the measure was part of efforts by INEC to ensure the safety of voters amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the type of face mask voters are expected to wear, Yakubu said a face cover will be sufficient for a voter to be accredited to vote and not surgical masks to cast their ballots.
Yakubu noted that there would be two queues, that is one outside the polling area and the other inside the polling area to ensure social distancing.
According to the INEC boss, voters must maintain the mandatory two-meter or six feet distance within the inner queue and must avoid touching surfaces or leaning on walls.
Yakubu emphasised that voters must obey all directions from officials to stop other voters from getting infected as he also disclosed that there was a protocol for voters with a high temperature or cough.
The Edo and Ondo governorship elections are slated for September 19 and October 10 respectively.
