IPAC outlines measures to curb coronavirus spread during voter registration

As part of the measures to ensure Ghanaians comply with the strict protocols during the compilation of the new voters’ register at various polling stations, the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has outlined some strict protocols to be adhered to in preventing the spread of the Coronavirus.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting held at the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, John Boadu said the measures include the provision of nose masks, hand sanitizers, thermometers and other items to ensure safety during and after the process.

“….They (The EC) have also given us measures to help us take cognizance of the COVID-19 period. They have insisted that at all polling stations, everybody will be required to put on a mask whether you are coming to register, an agent, EC official, or you are assisting anybody to register. You must put on a mask, they will provide running water for people to wash their hands with liquid soaps, sanitizers, a thermometer to check the temperature of people and a stand by ambulance or emergency medical team that will be able to take care of somebody whose temperature is higher than normal.

They will still keep the distance of one meter between registrants to ensure that we all keep our social distances in order to ensure that we all register and also safe and healthy after the exercise.

He also confirmed the ECs readiness to compile the new voters' register from late June 2020 to July 2020. He said the Electoral Commission and other political parties agreed on using passport and Ghana card for registration adding that guarantors will be used for people who do not have the above listed.

Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) this morning boycotted the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting at the Electoral Commission (EC). It is believed that the boycott is over the register as well as an alleged violation of coronavirus protocols.

The NDC is of the view that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the EC should rather undertake a limited registration exercise instead of a new voters’ register to limit the risk of spreading the virus as fewer numbers can be controlled.

But the EC insists it will observe all the necessary safety measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus when it begins compiling a new register of voters.