EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA—The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has commended the Eastern Province for registering a high voter turnout in last month’s parliamentary elections.

The area registered 98.7 per cent voter turnout in the elections.

As token of appreciation, NEC last Friday presented an accolade and Frw9.5 million to the Province at a function attended by area local leaders at Avega in Rwamagana district.

"We came with two reasons which include thanking people for participating in elections and for owning the exercise which is a demonstration that they understand its importance.

As NEC and workers of Rwandans we thank you for the collaboration which led to success,” said Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa, the NEC chairman while handing over the reward.

He also restated that the elections were successful and free. "After the 2003 elections, NEC decided to be meeting voters and owners of elections, to examine the failures and successes in order to brainstorm and lead to improvements,” Karangwa added noting that successful elections are demonstrated by people’s participation.

Security of people involved in election process, timely release of the results and conducting elections within the prepared programme are the other things that Karangwa said demonstrate successful elections.

He also commended local leaders and residents for their work force, saying NEC had only 64,000 workers, which would have been hard for them to carry out their duties well without support from people.

Dr Ephraim Kabayija, the area Governor observed that the recent elections were a challenge to those who think that elections in Africa have to end in chaos.

"In the entire province, I observed collaboration between all the authorities, and everyone passionately participated in the elections,” Kabayija said.

He asserted that for villages without good infrastructure, leaders worked hard to ensure that voters reach voting sites in time.

"Though with limited resources, local leadership and residents intervened. We hope what you did will continue in all the programmes,” Governor said.

Among the challenges the governor pointed out includes removing candidates’ posters in some areas.

The function was also attended by district and Sector Executive Secretaries in the area, other NEC officials who included the Acting Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza, the vice chairperson, several Commissioners, and the heads of army and police in the Province.

Ends