As early as 6am in Huye District, yesterday, a number of voters were already out on the street headed to their respective polling stations to cast their vote in the presidential election.

The district has 81 polling stations, which were equipped with different amenities to help voters, especially those with certain vulnerabilities such as the handicapped, visual impairment, older citizens, among others.

After voting, they applauded the government for working closely with them to overcome different barriers they faced in previous elections.

Fatuma Kibaya, 80, who is blind, voted from Ngoma polling station.

She said the effort to ensure everybody voted with ease was heartening, adding that for every election for the past 14 years, there had been an improvement in facilities to ensure everyone is catered for.

Sylvester Kagabo, Huye-Gisagara electoral zone commissioner, said voting is a fundamental right and that it was the role of the commission to ensure every voter’s concerns are catered for.

"All voters must vote with total freedom. It symbolises democracy. There are strict rules in place to ensure that the exercise is properly carried out with the secrecy and security of the ballot maintained,” he said.

In 60 polling stations of Nyanza District, among over 180,000 voters, the ones with disabilities gained convenient access to their polling stations.

Solange Higiro, Nyanza electoral zone commissioner, said braille for voters with visual impairment, and secured environment with wheelchair users, among others, were some of the aids given to different voters with disabilities.

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