NEC briefs candidates on election guidelines

Rwamagana - All candidates vying for elective posts must adhere to the election laws and procedures, the Chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa said yesterday. The NEC boss was addressing aspiring candidates and local leaders from the Eastern Province. Karangwa explained that any local leader, who has registered as a candidate, should relinquish their leadership position and should not try to tilt the election process in their favour. “There are dos and don’ts to be observed; former leaders must avoid fraud of any nature, or any other candidate for that matter,” he said.Karangwa also cautioned NEC officials against election irregularities. “The electorate may not notice if you do it right,” he said. “But they will understand if you do it wrong. Know that everything you do will be noticed within an hour of your action,” he told NEC district officials. Goreth Dusabe, a Commissioner in charge of legal affairs, reiterated the need for candidates to observe the legal requirements. She explained that the grassroots elections will not be based on political party affiliations, but individual merit. “The field will be level for every candidate... They will not seek permission to campaign, but inform local leaders on an impending campaign meeting, 24 hours prior,” she said.Dr. Ephraim Kabaija, the Governor of Eastern Province, said that there must be transparency in the whole campaign process, without bribery and corruption. He warned that unlimited fundraising during campaigns could jeopardize the democratic process of elections.The grassroots elections are expected to start tomorrow across the country. Ends