NEC calls for active civil society role in poll preps

Preparations for the upcoming presidential elections are at 80 per cent and the National Electoral Commission has urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to educate the citizens about their civic rights.The commission made the call yesterday as its executive secretary, Charles Munyaneza, met members of civil society organisations (CSOs) to bring them up to speed on the polls slated for August.Munyaneza said it was important that the civil society is brought on board because of the influence it has across the country, saying that members of these organisations can reach up to 90 per cent of the population.“We are calling on all stakeholders in this process, mostly CSOs, churches and mosques and other entities that have influence on the population to be part and parcel of this exercise,” he said. Munyaneza added that, what remains to be done is mainly updating the electoral register, an exercise that will end in May.During the upcoming elections it might be difficult for voters who lost their voter’s card to vote, with Munyaneza saying the commission will not give new cards.“We made it clear the voters’ cards were supposed to be kept like the identity card, driver’s permit or any other valuable document,” he said.He said new voters’ cards will only be given to those who did not have them before, like those who have recently received their first identity cards or those with special cases.Around Rwf5.5 billion has been earmarked for the elections which will take place on August 3 (Diaspora) and August 4 for nationals in the country.According to NEC, about 6.6 million Rwandans are expected to cast their vote in the forthcoming presidential polls.In response to the call, Bishop Tom Rwagasana, in charge of sensitisation and awareness at the Pentecostal Church (ADPR), said it is very paramount for church leaders to call on believers to participate in the nation’s journey of development.“Before we become Christians we are citizens, it is our duty and responsibility to teach our congregations about the nation’s agenda and to urge them to fully participate in presidential elections come August,” he said.Rwagasana added that good Christians must be loyal to their country.Munyaneza reminded citizens who are eligible to vote to verify their particulars on the electoral register in their respective villages to ensure that they are ready to participate in the polls.editorial@newtimes.co.rw

News

NEC calls for active civil society role in poll preps