As campaigns for the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections began on Saturday, June 22, Rwanda National Police (RNP) urged the public and campaigners to observe security measures in order to ensure a safe electoral season. RNP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Boniface Rutikanga has told The New Times the Police’s primary responsibility during the campaign period is to make sure that candidates observe the guidelines released by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). “We call upon all the people concerned to adhere to NEC’s guidelines. Road safety measures should be observed as usual. We ask people to engage in campaign rallies in a responsible and respectful manner,” Rutikanga said. ALSO READ: Rwanda Decides: Over 260 observers accredited for July elections Some of the prohibited activities are holding campaigning activities in health facilities, schools, churches, courts of law, or public markets, misusing public resources, engaging in bribery or accepting bribes. Campaigners are also prohibited to engage in activities that disrupt public security and national unity, or using discriminatory, derogatory language against other candidates. Candidates are also prohibited to hold rallies at sites without notifying local authorities as required, or encouraging actions that disrupt the electoral process. There are three candidates vying for the Presidency. These are the incumbent President Paul Kagame of RPF-Inkotanyi, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Phillipe Mpayimana who is an independent. There are 589 candidates vying 80 seats in Parliament. The campaign period will be concluded on July 13.
