Election 2020: EC to provide face masks for electorates in rural areas

The Electoral Commission (EC) has introduced more measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the December 7 polls.

Chairperson, Jean Mensa indicated that her outfit is ready to provide face masks to electorates in hard-to-reach communities to wear before visiting any polling stations.

The Commission as part of its efforts to contain the pandemic during has directed that the persons without facemasks will not be allowed to vote.

It will also provide running water and alcohol-based hand sanitisers to ensure that electorates observe the health protocols at the various centre on the day.

However, a section of the public have raised concern about the ability of all electorates to purchase the logistics in order to participate in the exercise of their civic duty.

On the back of this, Jean Mensa indicated that “the commission will provide masks in polling stations in rural communities to ensure the very rare voters who visit our polling stations to be provided masks to enable them vote and exercise their franchise.”

She made these comments at a press briefing her outfit’s preparation and readiness towards Monday’s polls.

This social intervention is however emphasised restricted to residents in rural areas, the Commission added.

“This facility is restricted to polling stations in very rural communities only,” she added.

Last week, the Electoral Commission cautioned voters against turning up at polling stations on December 7 with party-branded facemasks.

“People should wear the facemasks but not the party-branded ones,” Director of Electoral Services of the EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe said.