ELECTIONS: PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.

It is possible that the forthcoming elections will be free of incident in some parts of the country, but it is always better to be prepared for the unforeseen.

PREPARING FOR THE ELECTION:

Make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicles and generators∙

Make sure you have adequate supply of food, water and other essential items∙  
Have some extra cash on hand∙    

Have some extra phone charge cards in case you need to communicate with relatives.

Make sure you can lock down your house when going to vote:

Get to the Polling stations on time to get accredited and go back home after accreditation∙

Get to the polling station before voting commences at 12h30 and return home after voting.

Exercise discretion at all times and be alert.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes -- you may have to leave in a hurry (flat soled shoes are better than high heels)∙
Make sure that you are ready for sudden changes in the weather ( Hat and umbrella)∙

Note an escape route if you need to leave in a hurry∙

Do not discuss politics while in the queue∙

Make sure that when you vote your choice in shielded areas if in an open area.

After voting, leave the area.



Be very aware of your surrounding -- be on the alert for things that may seem out of place ( parked vehicles, packages left unattended, gangs of people)∙    

Don't take under-age children to the polling stations

Worth noting:
The elections will take place as follows:

Saturday 2nd April 2011 National Assembly Elections

Saturday 9th April 2011 Presidential Election

Saturday 16th April 2011 State Governorship / House of Assembly Elections

On election days movement of vehicles will be restricted. Only emergency services may be permitted. Routine operational services (for example, airport shuttle buses) will not run. People are expected to move only within their neighbourhoods to polling booths for accreditation and voting. It is expected that the National Security Personnel will be on high alert. They will be present at polling booths and several locations across the country. The following is advised during the period:

1.   Make extra provisions for basic home needs before election days.
2.   Make sure a relative or friend knows where you are at any time.
3.   On the election days, avoid travel or movements outside where you have registered. Should you need to travel to another town to participate in the elections, do so before the election day.
4.   Do not participate in public debates, campaign for candidates or attempt to influence voters or electoral officers. Quietly perform your civic duties and go home.
5.   Avoid crowds, rallies and processions.
6.   Avoid chatting with strangers.
7.   Restrict movements on the Sunday after the elections. Don’t linger around churches or public places after service or social events.
8.   Listen often to the news on radio and/or television.
9.   Be alert to happenings around your neighbourhood.
10. Plan for and deploy critical business needs before the elections.
11. Avoid non-essential travels throughout the election period.