All businesses, public and private, have been urged by the Elections Commission to grant leave so that workers can participate in the 2024 presidential election. While private sector companies are not required by law to provide leave, they are expected to do so in accordance with the Establishments Code, which guarantees paid leave to public sector employees.
The length of time an employee must travel between their place of employment and their polling place determines the leave policies. The arrangement for leaves is as follows:
- Half-day leave if the polling station is less than 40 km away.
- Full-day leave for distances between 40 km and 100 km.
- One and a half days’ leave for distances between 100 km and 150 km.
- Two days’ leave if the polling station is more than 150 km away.
To use their right to vote, employees must make a formal request for time off. It is mandatory for employers to provide adequate time off and post a notice informing all employees who have been granted leave together with the length of the absence at work.