On July 15, polling stations across Rwanda opened their doors, inviting enthusiastic voters to participate in shaping the future of their nation. At Apapec Rebero site in Gisozi Sector, which was expected to accommodate over 20,000 eligible voters, preparations began early. Before the polling rooms opened, at 7a.m, people from various areas in the sector had already arrived at the site.

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People were eager to cast their votes. Site coordinator Jean Claude Yankure said there was thorough preparation, including ensuring special provisions for voters with disabilities.

"We started promptly at 7 am with all necessary materials in place, special rooms were arranged to ensure comfort for disabled voters, alongside facilities for women needing sanitary products. The site is well-organized to assist everyone, and the process is running smoothly,” he said.

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"Just three hours since we started, we have already processed 50 per cent of our expected total, which is a great achievement. Citizen participation has been impressive, especially among first-time voters who are showing up with enthusiasm.”

The high attendance reflects a strong civic engagement and commitment to the democratic process among the electorate, he noted.

Election observers, local and international, were at the site to bear witness of what kind of election process it was.

Christella Uwase, an observer from Rwanda&039;s civil society organization, reported on the readiness of polling stations. "Everything was set by 7 am, staff were present and committed to ensuring a smooth election. The only challenge was arranging a dedicated space for voters with disabilities, but this was resolved before voting began. So far, observations indicate a well-run process,” she said.

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Having braille ballot papers was a wonderful surprise

In a move towards greater inclusivity, the election had pertinent facilitation including braille ballot papers, enabling voters with visual impairment to participate fully. Betty Nyirahabinshuti, a visually impaired voter, expressed her joy at this development.

She said: "Having braille ballot papers was a wonderful surprise. It shows the government's commitment to including everyone. From the moment I arrived, I received assistance every step of the way until I cast my vote."

According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Rwanda welcomed two million first-time voters eager to exercise their democratic rights. Among them was Samuel Uwitonze, who spoke enthusiastically about participating in the electoral process.

"Having my voice heard through voting is empowering; it feels like I'm contributing to our country's future. Today is a significant moment for me, and I voted for a better future for Rwanda and I fully believe that the candidate I voted for will win the elections,” he said.

"I am thrilled to still have the opportunity to contribute to decision making for my country. I am confident that my vote will make a difference, assistances made especially for old people like me in voting process, has been tremendously helpful,” added 92-year-old Vérédiana Mukarugema.

"Now that I have cast my vote, I eagerly await the announcement of the winning candidate and I fully believe that is the candidate whom I came here to support.”

In the other side of the city, Joselyne Kandama, a site coordinator at Ecole Internationale De Kigali – Kimihurura, also reported that the voting process commenced promptly at 7 am as communicated by NEC.

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Kandama noted that by 6:45 a.m, volunteers were sworn in before the voters. Following the swearing-in formality, witnesses were shown the empty ballot boxes and sealed them.

Citizens were then directed to their designated voting rooms based on labels indicating their respective villages. Youth volunteers assisted in guiding people to the right locations and explaining the voting procedures.

The expected number of voters at Ecole Internationale De Kigali – Kimihurura was 13,369. However, those not on the official list, or who had not registered to vote from the area, were also allowed to vote, with their names being recorded separately.

At the Kacyiru 1 site, about 10 kilometers away, determined voters braved the scorching sun, forming long queues to cast their ballots. Emmanuel Muhawenimana, the site coordinator, reported that the voting process there also started promptly, at 7 a.m. Muhawenimana urged voters to return home soon after casting their votes and come back at 3 pm to witness the vote counting.

‘They verified my name and allowed me to vote without any hassle’

Ignacienne Umulisa, the site coordinator at Nyabisindu, Remera, noted that the total number of registered voters is 15,475.

"Our primary challenge has been the high number of citizens not on the voters’ list. However, as long as they present a national ID, their names are recorded on-site, and they are allowed to vote,” Umulisa said.

About two hours later, at Groupe Scolaire APACOPE polling station, in Muhima Sector, Nyarugenge, Pacific Gashirabake, the returning officer, said: "People came on time and quickly began the election. However, after voting started, some voters faced challenges because they were not on the voter list. We couldn&039;t allow them to vote until NEC gave us the green light. Shortly after, directives were issued, stranded voters were added to an additional list.”

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"We verified the names of those who had issues with their registration and ensured they were able to vote. This additional list was crucial for maintaining the inclusiveness of our election process. Some voters had given up and gone home, but they came back to vote.”

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"I was worried when I realised my details hadn&039;t been updated, but the polling station volunteers were very helpful. They verified my name and allowed me to vote without any hassle. It was a relief to be able to participate in this important election," said Elie Minani, 23, a first-time voter who was among the people allowed to vote at the site.

Abera Mariyamu, an observer from the RPF-Inkotanyi party in Uruhimbi Cell, Amahoro Village, Muhima Sector, in Kigali, said the voting process went well because voters had been educated on the electoral process. She noted that the voting process is different from the past when people couldn't enjoy it as much as they do now.

Initial updates on partial results were set to be announced later Monday evening, with preliminary results set to come out not later than July 20 and the final results not later than July 27, according to NEC.