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NEC president Oda Gasinzigwa reaffirms independence and transparency ahead of 2024 Rwandan elections

By Esther Muhozi
On 24 June 2024 at 02:48

The President of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Oda Gasinzigwa, announced that the commission will not act on the requests of foreigners who are scrutinizing the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Instead, it will base its actions on the choices of Rwandans.

In an interview with Eugene Anangwe of EAMG TV released on June 23, 2024, Gasinzigwa was reminded that after the 2017 Presidential elections, some foreign diplomats criticized how the elections were conducted.

These diplomats are joined by others who criticize that some Presidential candidates were disqualified, claiming that the upcoming elections in July 2024 will not be conducted properly.

NEC explained that these candidates did not meet the required criteria, including the 600 signatures from registered voters.

Gasinzigwa stated that when NEC was preparing various pre-election activities, it engaged in discussions with diplomats working in Rwanda, explaining that the commission operates transparently and does not exclude anyone who wishes to run for office.

She said, "Especially the Ambassadors here in Rwanda, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, we held discussions. We also welcomed various guests from different countries, from international organizations like the Commonwealth. We continue to communicate with them, explaining our transparent operations. We do not hide anything from the public and those who wish to be candidates."

Gasinzigwa continued, "Some people want us to do what they want, and I don’t think it is right because there is no country in the world where this happens. What Rwanda wants is based on the Constitution, and it is clear that we at NEC do not act on our own desires; we act according to what Rwandans have decided based on the Constitution, the electoral law, and the regulations, all of which are approved by the Parliament. Rwandans, including those who wish to run for office, are given the opportunity to participate."

The NEC President stated that the commission will perform its duties well and transparently, based on its independence, and will announce the election results based on the votes cast by Rwandans for all candidates contesting from June 22 to July 13, 2024.

The Presidential and Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 14 and 15, 2024, following the conclusion of the campaign activities.


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