Page 54 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19
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36 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS DURING COVID-19
Annexure - 5
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• The World Health Organization • The continuity of administration of 77
(WHO) has declared that COVID-19 is local governments and democratic
a global pandemic. representation in the two vacant state
districts is essential. There is nothing
• Understanding of COVID-19, its to suggest that participating in the
impacts, and health advice is very elections poses any greater risk than
dynamic and changing daily. any other recommended daily activity.
• The National Cabinet is meeting • The 2020 Queensland elections will
weekly and has made decisions therefore be proceeding, and the ECQ
based on health authorities’ advice is taking measures to ensure the
which will affect public events, mass elections can be delivered to account
gatherings, and interpersonal for these unique circumstances.
interactions. These measures could ECQ’s service delivery model for 2020
be in place for the next 6 months. In local government elections and state
summary: by-elections was based on the
following: 60 per cent election day
▪ Organised, non-essential static votes, 30 per cent early voting, and 10
gatherings of more than 100 per cent postal. Now it will be based
people where people are together on 40 per cent election day votes, 40-
for more than approximately two 50 per cent early voting, and 10-20
hours should be cancelled. per cent postal.
▪ Social distancing is encouraged – • ECQ will be implementing extra
e.g. no hand shaking, staying 1.5 hygiene measures in polling booths
metres away from other people, aimed at ensuring a safe and timely
discouraging gatherings in experience (e.g. where available the
enclosed places. use of hand sanitiser, social
distancing, a ‘bring your own pen’
▪ Practicing very good personal campaign and additional cleaning of
hygiene is essential.
polling booths). These will be based
on the latest advice available from
health authorities.
If you need more information relating to the 2020 elections, please contact ECQ on 1300 881 665 or
by emailing ecq@ecq.qld.gov.au.
Current as at 18 March 2020
