Rwanda National Electoral Commission (NEC) has established 160 polling stations across 70 countries to facilitate diaspora participation in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Diaspora Rwandans will vote on July 14, while domestic voting will occur on July 15, with a potential extension to July 16.
NEC executive secretary Charles Munyaneza explained that 44 Rwandan diplomatic missions will oversee these elections, with some embassies coordinating multiple countries. For instance, the embassy in France is managing polling stations in Spain and Italy, while the High Commission in South Africa is coordinating with Lesotho and Mauritius.
Polling stations abroad have been set up in locations with at least 50 registered voters. This year, the number of registered diaspora voters has nearly tripled, reaching 77,138, compared to previous elections. Within Rwanda, 2,593 polling stations will be operational on election day.
Three presidential candidates are competing: incumbent President Paul Kagame, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana. Additionally, over 500 parliamentary candidates are vying for 80 seats in the lower chamber of parliament.
Munyaneza confirmed that all polling stations, both abroad and within the country, are prepared, with all necessary voting materials already in place.
