The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has set up 160 polling stations in various countries to facilitate voting for Rwandans living abroad in this month’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to NEC, there are a total of 2,593 polling stations, with 2,433 located within Rwanda. Rwandans abroad will cast their votes on July 14, while voting within the country will start the following day and conclude on July 16.
Charles Munyaneza, the NEC executive secretary, said on Wednesday, July 11, that elections in the diaspora will take place in 70 countries, overseen by 44 Rwandan diplomatic missions.
“Some of our foreign missions are serving other polling stations in other countries. For example, the embassy in France is coordinating with countries like Spain and Italy, appointing representatives to oversee the elections there. Our High Commission in South Africa is also coordinating with neighbouring countries, including Lesotho and Mauritius.” He said.
Polling stations were established in locations with at least 50 registered voters. Munyaneza confirmed that all polling stations abroad are ready, with all necessary voting materials already in place.
The diaspora community includes a diverse voter base, with youth comprising 22 percent and women making up 47 percent of the 77,138 registered voters. The number of diaspora voters has nearly tripled compared to previous elections, which had 22,000 registered voters abroad.
