The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has recommended that politicians consider virtual campaigns where applicable for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States as well as other pending elections, oyogist.com reports.
The recommendation is contained in a document titled “Guidelines for conducting elections during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria” released on Monday.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the governorship election in Edo State for September 19, the election in Ondo State is scheduled for October 10.
There are states where local government elections or supplementary elections will be holding to fill vacancies in state Houses of Assembly and the Senate.
“Where applicable, virtual campaigns and rallies are encouraged. This can be done using televised or radio campaigns, and mobile vans,” the document read.
It urged politicians to adhere to INEC codes of conduct including public health and social measures expected at rallies and election locations, through relevant communication channels such as posters, TV and radio jingles.
In the event that there must be rallies, the centre recommended that all pre-emptive measures, including the compulsory use of face masks should be adopted.
It recommended the utilisation of one-third of the actual capacity of venues.
The document partly read, “Avoid utilising campaign venue to full capacity; we recommend one-third of venue capacity (minimum of two metres should be observed among people at the gathering).
“If essential, multiple rallies should be conducted with appropriate numbers of people to enable adequate physical distancing in each gathering per time.
“Hand hygiene facilities including soap and water/ hand sanitisers should be made available for people before gaining access to campaign ground.
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“The use of face masks must be mandatory for everyone attending the campaign rally.
“Temperature checks should be carried out at the entrance/gate before any individual enters the campaign ground. Anyone with a temperature above 37.5°C should not be allowed into the campaign ground.”
