The National Electoral Commission of Rwanda has completed a third round of training for volunteers who will help conduct the country's local government and National Council elections. The training sessions, which took place from September 28 to October 2, were held in the Eastern and Northern provinces and the City of Kigali. The commission plans to continue the training in the Western and Southern provinces the following week. This initiative aims to prepare volunteers for the village-level elections scheduled for October 24.
The village-level elections will determine several key roles, including the selection of a five-member Village Executive Committee. Residents will elect a village head and members responsible for security, social and civil affairs, information and public training, and development. Additionally, they will choose a representative to the Cell Council and select two women candidates from whom women councillors will be chosen to ensure women make up at least 30 per cent of the Cell Council.
The elections are part of a broader process to choose leaders for decentralised local government bodies and executive committees of the National Women’s Council, National Youth Council, and National Council of Persons with Disabilities. The electoral calendar sets village polls for October 24, followed by cell-level elections on October 31 and sector-level elections on November 7. The broader election period runs through November 30.
Earlier training sessions covered volunteers working at sector and cell levels. The National Electoral Commission has also been sharing election information during community activities across the country as preparations continue. This effort aims to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the electoral process.
The five-member executive committee includes the village head and members responsible for various portfolios. Residents will also elect executive committees for the Village Women’s Council and Village Youth Council, according to the NEC. These committees play a crucial role in promoting the interests of women and youth at the village level.
NEC staff and volunteers have been actively engaging with communities to share election information. This initiative has been ongoing across the country, ensuring that all citizens are aware of the upcoming elections and the roles they will play in shaping the country's local governance.
The training of village-level election volunteers is a critical component of Rwanda's electoral process. With the elections fast approaching, the National Electoral Commission is working to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared to participate in the democratic process. The commission's efforts aim to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process.
Key points
- The National Electoral Commission of Rwanda has completed a third round of training for village-level election volunteers.
- The village-level elections are scheduled for October 24 and will determine several key roles, including the selection of a five-member Village Executive Committee.
- The broader election period runs through November 30 and includes cell-level and sector-level elections.
