The National Election Commission has issued guidelines regarding leave for public and private sector employees to facilitate voting in the upcoming general election.
According to these guidelines, employees who submit a written request to vote must be granted time off. This leave will be considered a special paid holiday, applicable to all employees, including casual workers, and will not be deducted from their regular leave entitlements.
Public sector employees are entitled to a minimum of four hours of special leave without any wage deductions, based on the time required for them to vote. Employers are responsible for determining the appropriate leave period based on the distance between the employee’s workplace and their designated polling station.
The Election Commission also instructs employers to visibly display documentation at the workplace showing the approved leave period. This initiative follows complaints from employees who faced difficulties voting in previous elections.
The Commission urges all employers to ensure that eligible voters receive the leave they are legally entitled to.
