Elections-2021: What sanitary measures will be taken at the polling stations

In the Karaganda region, 778 polling stations have been organized for the elections to the Majilis of the Parliament and maslikhats of all levels, which will be held on January 10. The current electoral period is taking place in difficult conditions. The requirements of epidemiological safety are determined by the decree of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Republic.

The readiness of election commissions in the Karaganda region and the provision of sanitary measures were discussed at a meeting chaired by the head of the region Zhenis Kasymbek.

The Chairman of the regional election Commission Erkara Aimagambetov said that more than five thousand members of election commissions were trained. Work is underway to refine the voter lists.

According to the head of the regional election commission, long-term observers from the OSCE/ODIHR are already working in the region. Observers from the CIS, IPA, SCO and other international organizations are expected to arrive. 2,964 proxies from political parties are registered.

Chief Sanitary Doctor of the region - Deputy Head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Yuri Zalygin-spoke in detail about the requirements of epidemiological safety.

Mandatory mask mode, the use of sanitizers, compliance with social distance. Handshakes should be avoided. It is not recommended to bring children to the polling stations.

Every three hours, members of election commissions must change their masks.

PCR testing of members of election commissions, observers and proxies has begun in the region. According to the decree of the Chief sanitary doctor of the republic, this is a mandatory requirement for the regions of the "yellow zone". In the Karaganda region, these include Shakhtinsk, Abay and Osakarovsky districts. All others are included in the"green zone".

The necessary amount of personal protective equipment will be provided at all polling stations. Thermometry will be performed at the entrance to the room. In case of high temperature, the entrance to the voting hall is prohibited - these people must be isolated in a separate room for medical examination. If necessary, an ambulance will be called to the scene.

Periodic ventilation and disinfection of voting booths is required. Voters will be provided with disposable pens.

- The current elections are taking place in non-standard conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. There are only four days left before the main day of the electoral period. The main issue of the remaining days is to prepare polling stations, commissions, and organize work with voters. Our common work is to ensure the holding of open and transparent elections in accordance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements, " Zhenis Kassymbek stressed.