267 Observers Approved to Monitor Presidential and Parliamentary Elections

By The Inspirer writer.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has announced that it has approved 267 election observers and is still accepting applications from others who wish to participate.

This was discussed during a press conference focusing on preparations for the upcoming campaign period for presidential and parliamentary elections.

The President of the National Electoral Commission, Oda Gasinzigwa, indicated that the process of receiving and approving candidacies has gone smoothly and that the campaign activities should also proceed without issues.

As election preparations continue, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, Charles Munyaneza, revealed that 267 observers have been approved so far.

He noted that there are others who have applied but have not yet been approved, emphasizing that among those already approved, 61 are from other countries and international organizations.

“These are the ones we have approved so far, but there are more applicants than this. Everything follows the laws and regulations; the numbers I’ve mentioned are up to the evening of June 19, 2024, and we notice that many tend to apply as the elections approach.” Munyaneza said.

Munyaneza indicated that although the number is still small, there is no cause for concern as there are many applicants who will be approved based on legal provisions.

“Whether the number is small or large, the important thing is NEC’s willingness to make its activities transparent to anyone who wants to observe.” He added.

He also pointed out that candidates can have representatives in polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.

The use of technology has been employed in the process of receiving and approving election observers for the upcoming elections in July 2024.

“Previously, international observers had to come to the National Electoral Commission to collect and fill out forms, and then we would respond to approve or deny them. But now, this is no longer necessary. Observers from the Commonwealth, African Union, and other places are not required to come here. We have set up a digital system so that people can apply and we can review the applications using technology.” Munyaneza said.

The National Electoral Commission anticipates receiving many observers, both from within the country and from other countries.

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