The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has decried the low turn up and unpunctuality of members of the Electoral College in Rubavu and Nyabihu districts in the ongoing senatorial campaigns.

During campaigns in Rubavu District yesterday, Guvens Musefana, NEC commissioner, pointed out that Tuesday’s campaigns in Nyabihu Districtstarted past 11:00 am past the scheduled time due to the late turn up by members of the Electoral College.

"It is a disappointment to see that people who were voted by the residents don’t understand the importance of this exercise to the extent of coming late,” said Musefana.

He also cautioned that if the exercise is to be a success at the end of the campaign, low turn up and late-coming should in future be avoided.

The campaigns that will see 26 senators elected started on September 6. They are due to end on Sep. 25 while voting would take place the following day.

The guidelines require 46 members of the Electoral College to be present before the campaigns can start.

The Western Province has attracted a total of nine candidates out of whom only three would be elected.

The NEC chairman, Professor Chrysologue Karangwa, warned all aspiring candidates against breaching the electoral laws.

"All laws must be adhered to and the exercise should reflect national interest other than personal interest by the voters,” explained Karangwa.

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