IEC introduces new measures to curb spread of Covid at polls
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says disposable cotton buds will be used during the local government elections to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
It's introduced new guidelines for the marking of voters' thumbs ahead of the 1 November polls.
Previously, marker pens were used to stain the nail of the person who cast their ballot with indelible ink.
Now, the IEC is turning to cotton buds and ink - as voters make their mark during level 1 of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Nombifuthi Masinga, who is the KwaZulu-Natal Electoral Officer, says other measures like social distancing will be standard procedure at voting stations.
"But before marking the fingernail on the voters, our officials will ensure that the thumb and nail are dry and there's no residue of the hand sanitisers because alcohol content may interfere with the quality of the ink that we use.
"So we need to make sure that their nail is dry before we apply the ink and we will not be using the cotton bud on more than one person, we will dispose of it after using it."
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