RWAMAGANA - The Eastern Province is convinced that it could lift the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Trophy of Excellence, the Governor, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija said on Wednesday.

The trophy and other prizes will be awarded to a province, district and sector that excelled in August 9 presidential poll and the search for the winner is still ongoing.

Speaking at a meeting of public executives and members of the advisory councils from the seven districts of the province, in Rwamagana, Kabaija said his province led in voter turn out which puts its residents at a greater advantage to win the trophy.

"There is a high likelihood that our province will lift the NEC trophy and other accompanying prizes,” he said. "We emerged first in the country on voter turnout with 99.14 percent .We had the lowest percentage of invalid votes at 0.15 percent in the country. Given such impressive outcomes we are confident of being recognized,” he said attracting applause from listeners.

Frank Kayiranga Rwigamba, the NEC representative in the province, reiterated the possibility of having the province, crowned as the best in the country.

He added that the province scored higher than any other according to the NEC set standards of election excellence.

"A number one criterion is high turnout, and eastern had the highest. I am not in any way supposed or declaring the province as winners, but it is evident that its performance was excellent,” he said.

After the announcements Damas Muhororo, the Kayonza district Mayor urged the residents to start celebrating for what he termed as exemplary achievement by the province.

"I don’t see why we should shy away from the fact that we are the best…So, please prepare for the receiving the trophy,” he said amidst deafening cheers.

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