67. The Court observes that, as noted by the Author and the Amicus Curiae, after the WHO declared the Pandemic, a number of countries that organised elections took restrictive measures that negatively impacted the right of citizens to participate in the government of their countries through elections and the exercise of other rights during the election period. These measures include restrictions on rights during the election period, including the right of movement of candidates and voters, to register, to obtain documents necessary for submission of candidatures, to participate in meetings related to elections, to access information related to the electoral process, as well as election observation by domestic and international observers. 68. Also following the declaration of a pandemic, different national and international institutions, including the WHO itself, the AU's relevant bodies, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and certain civil society organisations issued instructions or guidelines on measures to be taken to mitigate the spread of the disease, including in an electoral context. 69. The Court particularly notes the Communiqué of the AU Peace and Security Council, which recommends to States that decide to organise elections during this period to create the necessary conducive conditions to ensure safety and security of the population against Covid-19, in line with safeguard protocols issued by World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC Africa, as well as to preserve the gains made and to maintain the current momentum in the fight against the pandemic and other public health emergencies.25 25 Communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(CMLXXVI) § 3, adopted at its 976th meeting held on 29 January 2021, on AU Guidelines on Elections in Africa in the Context of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic and Other Public Health Emergencies. 20