GATSIBO/BUGESERA - The National Electoral Commission (NEC), has advised the Rwanda Defence Force to exercise discipline and avoid breaching electoral laws, during the presidential campaigns that begin today.

Frank Kayiranga, the NEC representative in Eastern Province, was meeting soldiers at Gabiro and Gako military barracks, last weekend.

"Soldiers are citizens with many responsibilities during elections. They at the same time have to ensure security of people and their property. We are therefore, enlightening them on how to go about it without breaching the law,” he said.

Soldiers should know how to handle themselves during the campaigns and elections, in accordance with the law, he stressed.

Theoneste Gisagara, NEC Legal Advisor, told the soldiers to learn about the electoral law.

"Like other security officials, he said, you are our partners in providing an environment necessary for free and fair elections. That is why we find it imperative to brief you about the election procedures,” he said.

Christopher Bagire, the NEC official in Gatsibo District, expressed satisfaction that the soldiers were able to register for the elections, despite the nature of their work which keeps them mobile.

"All the voters are actually registered in this part of our district, particularly the soldiers. You know the soldiers’ organisational capacity speeds up the process,” he noted. 

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