The organic law governing elections and the electoral framework set clear guidelines to ensure fair, transparent, and orderly conduct at polling stations. According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), there are 2,593 polling stations in total, including 2,433 within the country. Rwandans who are abroad will, on July 14, vote in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Within the country, voting will start the next day and conclude on July 16. ALSO READ: 160 polling stations set up in diaspora Here’s what voters need to know about what is prohibited in polling rooms: During the voting period, only specific individuals are permitted to enter the polling booth and these include: The polling booth coordinator The voter casting their ballot A child assisting a voter Representatives of the Electoral Commission and candidate representatives with proper identification Polling and identification observers Journalists and reporters Security officers, but only in the presence of the President of the Election Commission ALSO READ: What people with disabilities expect from their next representative in parliament The organic law outlines restrictions in voting rooms to maintain the integrity of the voting process. Below are things that are prohibited in polling rooms: · No unauthorized entry is allowed in voting rooms, only people casting a vote are allowed to enter the premises during polling hours. The Polling Room Coordinator can enter without voters present to ensure voting equipment is in place. · No photography is allowed in polling rooms, taking pictures of a person while they vote or taking photos of the ballot paper is strictly prohibited. · According to the law, campaign activities and engaging in any electoral campaign activity within or near the polling station is forbidden. Presence near the polling station is allowed only for voting or during vote counting but not for campaigning activities. · No weapons are allowed to enter polling stations and rooms. Voters cannot enter polling rooms while armed. Security officials may carry weapons only if requested by the NEC Chairperson to restore security. The single vote rule must be followed; each person is allowed to vote only once. It is prohibited to vote more than once and, voting must take place in the polling booth unless otherwise stated by law. ALSO READ: Top 13 campaign pledges candidates have made so far When disputes arise in polling rooms they are managed by the polling room coordinator and assessors. The chairperson of the polling station addresses complaints within their competence and can seek the polling committee’s assistance if necessary. All decisions must be justified, documented, and included in the statement of the electoral process. Individuals who are not registered on the voters’ list are prohibited from signing or fingerprinting any document meant to support a candidate.
