Some Weaknesses Observed During The 2013 Parliamentary Elections

Kigali- During a show broadcasted in Isango and Inkoramutima Radio stations, journalists asked Ms Mukamana Esperance ,NEC representative in the show what she found was not done effectively during the passed parliamentary elections.

For her preparation and implementation of the elections were conducted effectively.

She added that even though different small shortcomings were observed, it did not harm the whole process.

Among the weaknesses she mentioned include representatives who did not bring their papers  timely to the NEC, and some political parties that did not campaign in the areas where they registered to campaign.

Journalists invited in the show highlighted other weaknesses like the use of the pen whereby  some voters did not receive pens to use in the voting, transparency in counting votes and the PS Imberakuri claims that  it was discriminated in campaigning .

Law suggests that every candidate had five minutes to campaign using state based media.

Ms Mukamana said that the NEC provide equal access for all candidates to campaign.

If some of them did not have access to some public media ,the mistake is not due to our willingness as NEC rather to media itself,said Mukamana

For Mr Muganwa Gonzague a journalist ,another weakness relates to the political system status-quo  whereby political parties that were used to dominate the elections are still the winners.

He said that the most influential political parties should help the less ones to increase their chances to be represented into   Parliament through  election and campaign.

Another serious issue  media had reported  recently relates to the lack of the name of the representative of the people living with disabilities ,Mr Rusiha Gasithon.

Ms Mukamana said that this is due to juridical issues whereby another candidate claims injustice an no transparency during the elections,adding that real candidate will be published soon after these issues will be finalized

Regarding  the role media has played throughout these elections,one single serious weakness was observed.

According to Rwabuneza a journalist invited in the show said that  journalists did not actively attend the counting of votes,a shortcoming that  will be addressed in next elections.

The show is coordinated by IPP and ARJ with the sponsorship of European Union.

NIZEYIMANA Jean Pierre

UM– USEKE.RW