requires improving the coverage of the telecommunications network, lifting restrictions on the use of online communication platforms, namely social media. 83. On polling day and at electoral events involving crowds of people, appropriate protective measures such as social distancing, the wearing of masks, the sanitation of polling booths and ballot papers, and the protection of polling agents are required, among other such measures that States may deem appropriate.35 84. Finally, measures restricting rights must not be discriminatory. That is, a State should seek to ensure that, within the overall framework, the measures taken do not, in practice, create an advantage for one party, notably, the incumbent governing parties or candidates, to the detriment of other candidates or parties. 85. From the above, the Court is of the opinion that States should regularly conduct elections within the electoral calendar. In a situation of an emergency, such as the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is incumbent upon the States which are sovereign to determine when to conduct elections and to take appropriate measures to protect the health and life of people without undermining the integrity of the elections. C. On the obligations of State Parties that decide to postpone elections because of a public health emergency or a pandemic, such as the Covid-19 crisis 86. The Author considers that several elections in AU member states are scheduled to be held during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020 alone, elections were scheduled in twenty-two (22) AU member states. Therefore, the Author finds it pertinent for the Court to respond to the “growing calls for harmonized approaches that safeguard the right to participate in government, as enshrined in 35 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 (accessed on https://africacdc.org/africa-mask-week-23-30-november-2020/ (accessed on 24.6.2021). 25 24.6.2021);