Tomorrow, Tuesday July 20, will see the beginning of the Campaign period for the 2010 Presidential elections. For the next three weeks, candidates and their teams will be involved in intensive campaign activities across the country.

A general election attracts various interests, including the media, politicians, civil society, and the Rwandan people, both living in and out of the country. Election periods, the world over, sometimes comes along with heightened excitement.

To ensure a smooth and free Presidential election, the National Electoral Commission has produced and widely publicized elections’ guidelines for both the general public and specialized groups, such as journalists and local leaders.

It is important for everyone, as they play their role in the election process, to stick to the guidelines. If the rules are respected there is no doubt that the forthcoming campaign period and elections will be smooth, free and a gratifying experience for the voters and contestants.

In the spirit of transparency, the country is open to both local and international elections observers who, among other responsibilities, will be looking out for malpractices and discrepancies during the elections period.

As responsible Rwandans, we should follow guidelines and not give the observers something negative to write home about.

Ends