The campaigns for the forthcoming local leaders’ elections are in high gear in all sectors of the Eastern Province.

The elections for the members of the district advisory councils and executive committees will be held on February 22 and 27, respectively.

The elections will first be held at the sector level to elect district advisors, of which 30 per cent must be women.

These elections follow those of local authorities at the village, cell and sector levels that took place on February 5.

Talking to The New Times yesterday, Frank Kayiranga Rwigamba, the coordinator of NEC in the province, appealed to local leaders and the electorate to be prepared.

"Voters need to be sensitised about the elections,” he said.

"We have been involved in elections of Village (umudugudu) leaders, Cell and sector executive secretaries, mayors and their deputies before... it’s not an easy task but we have always made it perfectly. We are heading for all out elections of councilors…This is a process we expect to do well as well.”

Kayiranga said he was optimistic the civic education exercise which was conducted would help voters to vote based on informed decisions.

"The electorate should be able to know potential candidates who will deliver. We have no room for failures. Aspiring candidates too, must know how to go about it,” he said.

Over 400 candidates are contesting for close to 200 posts in the Eastern Province.

Kayiranga further called for mass turn out of voters in the coming polls.

He said there was need to prepare polling sites and secure places where ballot boxes would be kept.

"As NEC officials we should be able to provide an environment favourable for all candidates. It is again partly our duty, to see that no one breaches the law,” he said.

Jean Bosco Ruduri, a resident of Mukarange Sector in Kayonza District said they were ready for elections.

"The earlier the better, as far as elections are concerned. Some people have lost IDs, while others are out of touch but the sensitisation process was indeed done well…I am sure the electorate will vote in mature way,” he said.

Emmanuel Mutunzi, another resident said he looked forward to changes in the elections.

"We want changes in leadership…our districts have no economic problems and the people are ready to work.

The issue is that we have been poorly led and managed, so we want changes in managers or leaders if you like. Our choices will surprise many as we shall avoid some of the so called big names,” he said.

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