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Polling stations are set up at hospitals nationwide, from district-level facilities to major medical centers, to ease the voting process for patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers, during the July 15-16 elections. Elections2024: Voting to begin at 7 AM to 3 PM on Monday, in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Voting will be closed at 3 PM, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
According to Moise Bukasa, the NEC Communication Officer, having polling stations at hospitals nationwide will ensure that patients and their caregivers have the same opportunity to vote as anyone else who can reach polling stations.
“By offering polling stations at hospitals, we are removing barriers that previously made it difficult for these individuals to exercise their democratic rights. This effort aims to promote equality and inclusivity in the voting process, ensuring that every voice can be heard in our democracy,” he said.
According to NEC, besides patients and health care workers, some other exceptions or people are allowed to vote from a polling station near them, not necessarily where they were registered to vote from. Those who can vote from the nearest polling station include soldiers on missions, journalists, and students sitting for national examinations.
Members of the security forces who are on mission, and journalists covering elections can cast their ballot at the nearest polling station.
This also applies to the polling staff, emergency workers, Rwandan election observers, and representatives of political organizations and independent candidates. They cast their ballot at the polling station they are working from.
On July 14, Rwandans in the diaspora will cast their ballot. On July 15, Rwandans in the country will vote for the president and members of parliament.
On July 16, voting will be carried out for representatives of special interest groups in the Chamber of Deputies, namely, women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Three candidates are vying for the Presidency: Paul Kagame of RPF-Inkotanyi and its allies parties, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
589 candidates are vying for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
