NEC cautions errant Senate candidates

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) warned that senatorial candidates who conduct illegal campaigns risk disqualification. The commission’s Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza, said this yesterday while attending a campaign rally of candidates aspiring for the City of Kigali seat in the upper chamber of Parliament. He said that some candidates were utilising national symbols like the colours of the national flag, which is illegal. “Using national symbols, like colours of the national flag and other symbols is not allowed and it’s against the law,” Munyaneza said. He pointed out that the practice was rampant upcountry where candidates were using national symbols in their campaigns. Munyaneza also cautioned candidates against employing voters as campaign managers. The electorate is made up of councillors from districts and sectors all over the country, whereas the two representatives from the academia will be elected by faculty members from public and private universities. The Kigali City campaigns, held in Gasabo District, were organised by NEC and brought together all the aspirants and the voters in the district. Unveiling his manifesto, Paul Mbaraga, said that once he wins the September 26 elections, he would request for an audit to determine the accomplishments made by the outgoing senators and what was pending. In Gasabo, Mbaraga pointed out that areas such as Nduba, Jali, Ndera and Rutunga had neither water nor electricity. “There is need for advocacy to have all these and other infrastructure like health centres established, which I will do once I am elected,” Mbaraga said. Mbaraga lamented that some Kigali residents were barred from constructing houses in some parts of the city until the area’s master plans was released. Another candidate, Anathorie Mukabatsinda, said that she would agitate for the introduction of family planning laws to ensure that parents produce children they can afford to provide for. “The economy cannot grow fast if we are still producing children we are unable to support,” Mukabatsinda said. The Kigali seat has attracted nine candidates. Ends