The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has urged election volunteers to adhere to the set election guidelines during the constitutional referendum due on Thursday and Friday. NEC officials made the call on Monday while meeting over 190 volunteers who will supervise the referendum in the Eastern Province. “It is necessary that we provide sufficient and relevant information about various activities to be conducted by these volunteers,” the NEC coordinator in the area, Frank Rwigamba Kayiranga said. “We are leaving no stone unturned to make ourselves ready for smooth, clean and calm elections… the importance of respecting the set election rules and regulations cannot be over emphasised,” he said. Kayiranga said NEC would avail sufficient election materials on time to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. He further appealed to the volunteers to build self confidence and show commitment while on duty. Bidibura Senzinge from Kayonza District said communities were eagerly waiting for the D-Day. “I have worked as election volunteer for more than 10 years, but this time I can see my work is simple. The electorate is already mobilised…it seems they know what they want already. So, in such a situation managing polling stations will be simple,” he said. Meanwhile, Hadji Karimunda Djamada, NEC coordinator in the Western Province said election volunteers are ready for the exercise. He said this on Monday during training of 80 volunteers from Rubavu District, who were trained on how to ensure a smooth and fair exercise. “We call upon voters to turn up in big numbers and make their choice,” Karimunda said. Similar training was carried out in other districts of the province, according to Karimunda. “Rwandans have been sensitised about voting in different forums and we encourage them to come to the polling stations with identity and voter cards. In democratic systems, we want citizens to make an informed decision,” Karimunda said. Fidele Twishime, one of the volunteers, said they were ready to play their role with integrity. Marie Joselyne Nyiratuza, in charge of civic education in Busasamana Sector in Rubavu District said with all the preparations she hoped for a smooth exercise. “We sensitised residents on the elections. Volunteers are ready and we hope nothing will disrupt the exercise in anyway,” Nyiratuza said. According to NEC, over 6 million voters are expected to participate in this week’s referendum across the country and abroad. And 68,000 election volunteers are expected to assist the commission in the referendum. Cherie Jennifer, a resident of Nyagatare District said they were ready for elections. ‘We are ready and motivated as usual; besides the elections were long overdue. The referendum was people’s request in a way- we want the constitutional change immediately,” she said.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
