Preps for parliamentary elections begin

Staff members of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) have began early preparations for September 2013 parliamentary elections as they move to improve the voting process and overall turn up of voters countrywide.In a preparatory meeting yesterday, NEC officials brainstormed on how to carry out successful campaigns across the country to sensitize people.“NEC is still a young institution but has contributed towards the democracy of Rwanda by organizing successful elections in the past,” said its Executive Secretary, Charles Munyaneza.“We will not only be encouraging people to turn up early to the polling stations, it is equally our mandate to tell them prior to the elections, the importance of the exercise”.MPs to be voted into office will determine the provision of the services they need for their wellbeing, he said.He added that although the institution is still faced with challenges, particularly in financing, it will use the resources at its disposal to ensure free and fair elections.“Rwanda gets its share of critiques on democracy and fair elections, many of whom don’t understand the journey we have gone through to be where we are. We don’t close our ears to criticism; we are always open to constructive criticism and willing to improve any area of our operation,” Munyaneza added.Parliamentary elections in 2008 saw millions of Rwandans vote for contestants most of whom were fronted by their respective political parties. Only one candidate ran for a parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.