HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 1460874,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1460874/?format=api",
"text_counter": 32,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Lemaletian",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Mr. Speaker Sir, the Mission's activities before the elections included the release of an Arrival Press Statement, a Comprehensive Briefing and Orientation Programme, a briefing by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and meetings with various electoral stakeholders. These activities aimed to increase public awareness about the Mission and assess the state of preparedness for the elections. Observers were deployed in teams to different provinces, including Kigali City, Eastern Province, Northern Province and Southern Province. The pre-election period was noted to be calm and peaceful with strong engagement from stakeholders. Political parties conducted peaceful campaigns, promoting unity and cohesion. The Mission observed that all election-related activities were carried out as per the electoral calendar set by the NEC. Mr. Speaker Sir, on Election Day, the Mission observed that polling stations opened on time, voting materials were sufficient and polling staff demonstrated good knowledge of procedures. The voting process was orderly, with a significant number of women among the polling staff, reflecting a positive trend towards gender parity. Security personnel were present and conducted themselves professionally. There were no incidents of voter inducement and priority was given to the pregnant women, mothers with small children, the elderly and special service personnel. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Mission also observed the closing procedures, noting that polling stations closed at the scheduled time and voters still in queues were allowed to vote. The closing process was conducted in the presence of political party agents and election observers. While the electoral process was generally professional, there were isolated cases of improperly sealed ballot boxes and ballot papers without serial numbers. Based on these observations, the Mission made several recommendations to the Rwanda's National Election Commission (NEC), ensuring proper sealing of ballot boxes, including serial numbers on ballot papers and considering an extension of the campaign period from the current 20 days, to allow more time for political parties to explain their manifestos to the electorate. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Mission commended Rwanda for several practices that could serve as lessons for other countries. This included the absence of campaign posters and billboards, which reduced campaign costs, the discipline and decorum of candidates and their supporters during campaigns, the involvement of locals in the electoral process, including the decoration of polling stations and peacefully guarding them and the inclusive voting process that allowed voters without Identification Cards (IDs) to vote after verification. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, the Mission praised Rwanda's electoral process for its unity and responsibility. They noted that Rwanda has a legal framework to address electoral disputes ensuring that any grievances would be handled through established structures, promoting peaceful dispute resolution. The Mission expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this significant event and thanked the Speaker and the Clerk for their facilitation. Mr. Speaker, Sir, overall, the Rwandan election demonstrated the strength of unity and responsibility, setting a commendable example for other Member States in the Great Lakes Region. Thank you."
}