Honourable Moses F Moyo, MP, the Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia recently led an Electoral Observation Mission of the Forum of Parliaments of the Member-States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) to observe the general elections which were held on 15th July, 2024, following an invitation by the Government of Rwanda through the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The Mission's objective was to assess the conduct of the elections, including the pre-election period, polling day activities, and the post-election phase as well as ensure transparency and fairness in the democratic exercise.

In preparation for the 2024 Rwanda General Elections, the Forum issued an arrival Press Statement to inform the public about the presence and mission of the FP-ICGLR Electoral Observation Mission, which aimed to raise awareness among the Rwandan population; the observers engaged in a Comprehensive Briefing and Orientation Programme to equip them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the electoral context in Rwanda and the Mission participated in a briefing organised by the National Electoral Commission, where they met with various electoral stakeholders, including the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, Rwandan Civil Society, and the Political Party Forum.

These meetings provided insights into the state of preparedness for the just ended General Elections which scheduled on 14th to 16th July, 2024.

As part of the observation mission, Hon. Moyo and the delegation interacted with various stakeholders, including election officials, political parties, civil society organisations, and voters. They also visited polling stations across the country to witness the voting process firsthand and evaluate the overall integrity of the electoral process.

Speaking at the event, the Right Honourable Simple Mathieu Sarandji, Speaker of the Parliament of the Central African Republic urged Rwanda to make continuous efforts in upholding the principle of conducting regular and democratic elections within a lively multi-party framework.

Hon. Moyo commended the citizens of Rwanda for their active participation in the electoral process, emphasising the importance of upholding the principle of holding regular and democratic elections within a vibrant multi-party system. He said this during a press conference held at Serena Hotel on Thursday, 18th July, 2024 at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

In his closing remarks, His Excellency, Ambassador Onyango Kabob, Secretary General of the FP-ICGLR expressed gratitude towards the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and President of the FP-ICGLR, Rt. Hon. Ms. Nelly B K Mutti, SC., MP, FAPRA for responding quickly to the forum and allowing Members to participate in the Observation Mission.

With a commitment to promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights in the Great Lakes Region, the FP-ICGLR Electoral Observation Mission applauded the National Electoral Commission of Rwanda for conducting the 2024 General Elections professionally.

The Forum of Parliaments of the ICGLR, consisting of 12 Member States including Rwanda, derives its mandate to observe elections from the Pact on Security, Stability, and Development in the Great Lakes Region committed to promoting democracy, good governance, and human rights, as outlined in the ICGLR Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. As an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing universal values and principles, the FP-ICGLR's mission in Rwanda underscores the importance of promoting democratic practices and ensuring the rights of all citizens to participate in the political process.

Through collaborative efforts and mutual respect among Member States, the FP-ICGLR continues to play a vital role in promoting peace, stability, and democratic governance across the region. Following the conclusion of the 2024 Rwanda general elections, FP-ICGLR Observer Mission will compile a comprehensive report detailing their observations, findings, and recommendations. The report will be shared with relevant stakeholders, including the Rwandan government, election authorities, and regional bodies, to support efforts to enhance electoral processes and uphold democratic principles.