Security during elections guaranteed- Police chief

GASABO - The Commissioner General of Police, Emmanuel K Gasana, has assured the public that the Rwanda National Police (RNP) will continue exercising its mandate of ensuring sustainable security before, during and after the forthcoming Presidential polls. Speaking during a live televised call-in talk show at Telecom house, on Saturday, Gasana, who was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner of Police Christophe Bizimungu, the Commissioner for Crimes investigation and Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa-the Director for Public Order, said that Rwanda is a stable country and will remain so during the elections. The Commissioner General affirmed that Rwanda has sustainable peace and security and stands out as one of the safest countries in the region. He underscored that the general public will have a safe and smooth electoral process and that Rwandans ought to have the desired candidate elected in an incident-free environment. Gasana, further cautioned against anxiety that comes with the election period. “Avoid being part of any criminal acts or being enticed into anything that may affect public order during the election mood,” he said. It was emphasized during the talk show that special measures have been put in place to ensure security at the, over 2000, polling stations across the country. The police also revealed that it is technically ready, well equipped, and has sufficient logistical support to efficiently respond to any eventualities which may arise during the electoral process. The Commissioner for Crimes Investigation, ACP Bizimungu said that the law is very clear and people should stick to it. “If anybody violates the law, it is our duty to investigate and those who are found guilty shall be punished by the courts of law,” Bizimungu said. He further advised the public to read and understand that the law regulating elections so that they don’t violate it. He singled out some of the crimes punishable by the law, including terrorism, theft of election boxes, entering the voting room with a weapon, falsification of results and falsification of one’s identity. During the talk show, the Commissioner General highlighted the achievements of the recently concluded Police week activities which lasted 8 week. He commended the general public, community policing committees and all the partners for the continued cooperation. Ends