Residents of Rwanda’s Southern Province have been urged to participate in local government elections, submit their candidacies and cooperate with security organs to ensure peaceful voting. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) in the Southern Province, in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police and other relevant institutions, called on residents to take an active role in the electoral process, encourage more candidates to come forward and carefully choose their leaders.
The call was made during a training session held in Huye District, which brought together residents from different districts across the province. The training aimed to explain residents’ responsibilities in the electoral process and encourage them to participate actively in choosing their leaders. The Head of the National Electoral Commission in the Southern Province, Nduwimana Pacifique, said residents had been receiving civic education on elections, voting rights and the importance of participating in the governance of their country.
he said: “We have been educating residents from different groups about elections to help them understand their right to elect their own leaders and participate in their governance.” Nduwimana urged eligible voters to arrive at designated polling stations early. He also encouraged those interested in leadership positions to submit their candidacies and compete freely.
He particularly called on young people and women to stand for election, emphasizing the importance of their participation in leadership. he said: “We encourage as many residents as possible to submit their candidacies, especially young people and women, so that they can also play an active role in leadership rather than leaving leadership positions exclusively to men.”
Police Urge Residents to Help Maintain Electoral Security
The Rwanda National Police spokesperson in the Southern Province, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, urged residents to cooperate with security organs and other relevant institutions to ensure peaceful and orderly elections. he said: “We urge residents to work with security organs and other relevant institutions to ensure that the elections proceed smoothly and peacefully.”
The Head of the Rwanda National Police in Huye District, SP A. Habimana, also urged residents to refrain from committing crimes during the electoral period and promptly report incidents that could disrupt the electoral process. He emphasized that cooperation between residents and security organs is essential to preventing activities that could undermine public order and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.
Election Officials Trained Ahead of Polls
As part of preparations for the elections, designated election officials in the Southern Province have already undergone training. According to information provided during the report, election materials have also been delivered to designated polling stations.
These preparations are intended to support the proper management of the elections and enable residents to exercise their right to vote. Residents have been urged to follow instructions issued by relevant authorities, participate in the elections and take an active role in choosing leaders they believe can represent them effectively.
