KIGALI - The National Electoral Council (NEC), has announced that all the necessary arrangements are in place, to ensure today’s local government elections are conducted smoothly.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, the NEC Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza, confirmed that the Commission was fully prepared for the polls that would see the entire population vote for leaders in their respective villages.

"Officials, both from NEC and volunteers, are undergoing final refresher seminars countrywide, and at our headquarters, and they will be at the polling centres in time for the exercise,” said Munyaneza.

He also revealed that at least 300 observers from various institutions have been accredited by NEC to monitor the elections countywide.

"We have cleared at least 100 observers from the Forum for Political Parties, more than 100 from the civil society, various embassies in the country, as well as human rights organizations,” he said.

Munyaneza further revealed that they are working with the National Police to ensure that law and order are maintained across the country during the electoral process.

Meanwhile, NEC has called upon all candidates to observe the legal provisions as they campaign and refrain from partisan and abusive language or hate speech.

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