This decision has been made to provide every citizen with the opportunity to exercise their right to vote without any work-related constraints or hindrances in accordance with existing democratic principles.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, all government offices, institutions and private businesses are expected to observe the directive.
'The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs employers and employees that Monday, July 15, and Tuesday, July 16, 2024, will be public holidays to allow Rwandans to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections and fulfil their civic duties,' reads the statement.
The general elections begin on Sunday, July 14, 2024 (for Rwandans in the diaspora). Locally, they will take place on Monday, July 15 while the next day is dedicated to the Parliamentary elections for special groups.
Every voter is supposed to vote from the village where he or she is registered and that's why such public holidays are declared prior to Election Day.
In the past, however, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, and security agencies would continue to operate as usual to ensure public safety and welfare. It is not any different this time.
It means that by virtue of one's job, certain groups of people can be allowed to vote from a polling station that is near to them, not necessarily where they were registered.
These special groups of people include members of the police service, soldiers, journalists, students sitting for national examinations and the sick.
According to the National Electoral Commission, 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 polling staff and emergency workers.
Election observers of Rwandan nationality, representatives of political organizations and independent candidates may also cast their ballot at the polling station they are working from.
Citizens are encouraged to use this day to participate in the voting process and contribute to the democratic governance of their nation.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/gov-t-declares-two-public-holidays-to-enable-voting
