Observers
Election Observation
The term “election observation” refers to the practice in which independent persons or organizations watch over an electoral process to ensure that it complies with the national legislation and international standards for elections. Election observers scrutinize not only the casting and counting of ballots on Election Day but also the period ahead of the polls, including the registration of candidates, electoral campaign and preparations for the vote, and relevant post-election mechanisms such as electoral dispute resolution and the reporting of campaign expenses.
In Rwanda:
Rights of electoral observers and those of a representatives of a candidate
Electoral observers and a representative of a candidate have the following rights:
1° to be informed about the electoral calendar;
2° to be informed about how election is conducted;
3° to be informed about where all electoral operations are done;
4° to be given easy access to all documents related to elections;
5° to have free access to where all electoral operations are conducted except the polling booth after the commencement of polling operations;
6° to be informed about election results within the period provided for by this Organic Law.
Obligations for an electoral observer and a representative of a candidate
An electoral observer and a representative of a candidate have the following obligations:
1° to avoid any activity that may disrupt the smooth electoral process;
2° to be impartial in electoral activities;
3° to comply with national laws into force in general and laws related to elections in particular;
4° to respect national culture;
5° to avoid giving instructions to polling officers;
6° to operate in the area where they have been accredited;
7° to respect polling officers at all levels;
8° to avoid publishing election results before the competent organ does so.
An electoral observer in particular produce a report based on evidence or facts observed during the election and submit it to the Commission within sixty (60) days after the election.