This follows advice by Africa Court on Human and People’s Rights that African Union member States are at liberty to call off an election if there is an emergency or a health crisis. According to the Arusha-based court, an election can be pushed upon the government consulting health agencies, political actors, and civil society. “States may decide to conduct or not to conduct elections in the context of a public health emergency or a pandemic. The lobby wanted the court to interpret if member States can hold elections during the Covid-19 crisis. The court heard that at least 78 countries and territories across the globe have decided to postpone national and sub-national elections due to Covid-19.

Source: Standard Digital July 22, 2021 20:33 UTC