Volunteers
The culture of Electoral Volunteerism in Rwanda
Starting from the 2003 elections, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) introduced a formal system of election volunteers to support the electoral process. This was partly to address limited resources and to encourage broad citizen participation.
Since then, volunteers have become standard practice in election in Rwanda, providing manpower across the country.
The culture of volunteerism during elections in Rwanda is a distinctive feature of the country’s democratic practice.
Volunteers swearing before conducting elections
Rather than being treated as temporary assistance, volunteerism during elections is widely understood as a civic obligation and contribution to nation-building; it reflects a collective spirit of civic responsibility.
NEC expanded a nationwide network of more than 100,000 election volunteers. These volunteers play vital roles in civic education, election day operations, logistical support, community mobilization. Volunteers are deployed in polling stations, polling centers and other local administrative entities for election coordination at each level. Their dedication has significantly contributed to high voter participation.
The NEC estimates around one hundred thousand
Objective of election volunteerism
The objective of election volunteerism is promoting citizen ownership and citizen participation, especially among youth and first-time voters, by involving community members directly in the electoral process.
Roles of Volunteers in elections
Election volunteers in Rwanda typically contribute in :
- Preparing polling sites (setting up rooms, arranging materials).
- Mobilizing voters and helping them confirm their registration and polling locations before election day.
- Conducting elections
- Supporting public awareness by educating citizens about the importance of voting thoughtfully and according to regulations.
Election volunteers are integral to election logistics, voter mobilization, and civic outreach, helping to reduce costs, increase participation in elections and democratic participation.
Volunteers have participated in preparing polling sites, mobilized residents to crosscheck their names on updated voters list among others
Volunteers have also played a major role in changing citizen mindsets and involvement in electoral activities and the country’s development. The said volunteerism is deeply rooted in the Rwandan culture of self-reliance.