The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has been sensitising Rwandans in the Diaspora to take part in the 2010 presidential elections. This is a welcome and commendable move on the part of the electoral body.

There is a sizeable number in the Diaspora due to various reasons, ranging from historical circumstances, the need for further education, to seeking economic opportunities beyond our borders. Rwandans, have over the years, been urged to own and participate in national programmes.

With globalisation, a number of citizens, for one reason or the other, choose to live outside their countries. Many in the Diaspora contribute to the economic development of their countries, largely through remittances.  

Therefore, by participating in the presidential elections, they will be fully exercising their rights as citizens and contributing to the process of entrenching democracy.

This is made easy by the fact that the Rwandan Diaspora is always adequately represented in the annual national dialogue.

To fully participate in the political process, they should benefit from all civic exercises. And that is why the electoral commission has been mobilising them.

They should also take it as a citizens’ obligation to pass on the message to their compatriots who may not have the opportunity to meet with the electoral officials.

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