The refusal of some employers to observe Election Day worries the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs.
Last week, there were reports of some employers refusing to release their employees to go and participate in national elections. According to a press release from the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs made available to the Sunday Standard, the ministry had been inundated with enquiries and queries from the public, workers, employers and political parties, regarding the implications of the declaration of 16 October as a Public Holiday.
According to press reports, some employers declared that they would not release any of their employees to vote.
Some companies have, however, willingly decided to close their operations or businesses for the day to allow their employees but are uncertain about whether or not it is a public holiday and if the employees are entitled to pay.
The press release further stipulated that by the day being declared a public holiday, it is in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act, Cap.03:07 and should be observed. The press release also indicates that it is a constitutional right for everyone to go and vote.
