KIGALI - The National Electoral Commission (NEC) released the final results of the local elections indicating that of the 5, 411,740 registered voters, 93.6% took part. The Western Province registered the highest percentage of voters while Kigali City recorded the lowest. “Out of the 1,279,996 registered voters in the Western Province, 96% voted,” NEC Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza said, adding that 94% was recorded in the Southern and Northern Provinces. Kigali City’s participation represented 91% while the Eastern Province polled 93%. 2,498 candidates submitted their candidatures for 832 posts of local councillors and women representatives. NEC chairperson, Chrysologue Karangwa, acknowledged that there were minor irregularities that led to the arrest of 14 polling agents in the districts of Nyagatare and Kirehe. The officers were allegedly caught rigging. “Other challenges that we faced during the polls included people who showed up at some polling stations after voting hours,” explained Karangwa. Voting hours started at 6:00 AM and ended at 3:00 PM.. NEC cleared 1000 election observers who supervised the voting at over 2000 polling centres. Ends
