Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) recorded four cases of malpractice involving 15 individuals in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. Modeste Mbabazi, RIB spokesperson, told The New Times on Friday that four of them had been released temporarily but are still under investigations. Mbabazi said that while elections were conducted in a peaceful and free environment, there were some isolated incidents where suspects are being investigated. “Two ballot boxes were opened and in two separate areas ballot boxes were not properly sealed while two people were caught red-handed trying to vote for others,” he said “The cases of six of those have already been forwarded for prosecution while five other dossiers will be forwarded next week,” he said adding that the suspects include election volunteers and two individuals, according to RIB. According to Faustin Nkusi, spokesperson of the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), they will conduct their own investigations before deciding whether the suspects can be produced in court or released. “We will analyse their dossiers and decide accordingly.” he said. Article 559 of the Penal Code stipulates that any person present in a voting room who, before, during or after voting, uses fraudulent acts, alters or attempts to alter electoral results or violates or attempts to violate the conduct of elections, impedes or attempts to impede voting operations, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of one to two years and a fine of Rwf1 to 3 million or one of these penalties. Parliamentary elections were held between September 2 and 4 for representatives in the chamber of deputies who will serve for five years. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
