NEC briefs election agents

RWAMAGANA - Election agents were Friday tasked by the National Electoral Commission to strictly observe the dos and don’ts of the forthcoming presidential elections. This was during a two-day workshop that attracted all election coordinators in the Eastern Province at Rwamagana Provincial headquarters. Addressing the Sector and District coordinators, Fatu Harerimana, the NEC Vice Chairperson, said that the workshop aimed at strengthening and streamlining the election process. “You are at the steering wheel…the success of the elections are in your hands. So, you must know what to do and what you are not supposed to do,” she said. Betty Utamuriza, the election coordinator in Gatsibo District warned her colleagues against any malpractices during the elections. She noted that the success or failure of the whole process will depend on the way they conduct themselves. “We may end with a positive or negative process, it’s upon you. You must offer good services, be impartial and free from corruption,” she advised. “You should know how to handle challenges and at the same time avoid embroiling yourselves in any political party affairs” Meanwhile, at the same workshop, it was revealed that complexities are mainly identified in urban areas as opposed to rural areas. Thomas Ruhanuka the election coordinator of Nyagatare District noted that registration in rural Nyagatare was carried out except in Nyagatare town. “Residents of the town are never reliable. They keep on moving and those present, think they know more, hence taking time to register. But, I know they will do it at the last minute,” he said. Eastern Province is expected to conduct elections in over 500 polling stations. Ends