Rwanda: Grass Roots Elections the Foundation of Peace
By: James Tasamba

August 29, 2006 - (The New Times) The Governor of Northern Province Boniface Rucagu has described the just-concluded grassroots elections as the foundation of sustainable peace, development, unity and reconciliation in the country. Rucagu made the remarks last week at meeting with chairpersons of the District's electoral commissions in the province held at Fatima Guest House in Musanze District.

The meeting aimed at evaluating the performance of the province in the grassroots elections of both the village leaders and mediators. "We need to attach a lot of value on grassroots elections because it is the foundation upon which all rural development programmes are based. The notion of peace, security, unity reconciliation and development can be real if it starts from the grassroots level," Rucagu said. He urged the officials to commit themselves to voluntary service whenever called upon, noting that it is a gesture of patriotism to the Province and the country.

The Electoral Commission provincial Coordinator Julius Nkusi, said there was a high turn out of voters compared to the previous local elections. "With a voter turn up of 79.7 percent in all the districts, the elections were a success. And, with the 40.6 and 44.4 percentages of women elected in the exercise we realize that we surpassed the required 30 percent," Nkusi stressed.

However, the election officials reported some cases of low voter turn out and in some places few women voted. Representatives from Gakenke District said some men prevented their wives from voting, while the turn-out in Cyanika Sector and Muko Cell in Gicumbi District was also reportedly low.

But electoral officials pointed out that afternoon hours were not appropriate for the exercise and claimed it affected voter turn-out in many areas. They also said that Saturdays, being a Holy Day for members of the Adventists also affected the turn out. The meeting that was organized by the Electoral Commission in conjunction with the province, was attended by among others, Sector leaders and members of the security agencies in the province.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200608300512.html