Residents of RuhandaNzovu Village in Bunagana Town Council have raised serious allegations against the Kisoro District security team, led by officials from the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office accusing them of voter intimidation during the elections for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Village Chairperson.
The highly contested election featured three candidates: Samuel George Niyonshima, Nteziyaremye Gerald, and the incumbent, Senzoga George.
According to initial results, the election proceeded peacefully, with Nteziyaremye leading with 134 votes, followed by Senzoga with 112 votes, and Niyonshima trailing with 18 votes. However, soon after the announcement of these results, electoral officials raised concerns about voter coercion and controversially called for a re-vote.
Residents report that shortly after the results were announced, a large contingent of security personnel arrived at the polling station. Many claim they were threatened and pressured to vote, raising concerns about the integrity and fairness of the process. Some voters, who had already left the area for other obligations, were unable to return for the re-vote, effectively being disenfranchised.
Several residents described the atmosphere during the re-vote as tense and intimidating, citing a strong security presence that they felt compromised their ability to freely express their democratic choice.
CUE IN RESIDENTS……..ON THE ISSUE…..RR//
Nteziyaremye Gerald condemned the conduct of the district officials, alleging electoral interference and pledging to pursue legal action to protect his constitutional rights.
Incumbent Senzoga George acknowledged that the initial voting process was flawed and stated that this justified the call for a re-vote. Samuel Niyonshima, meanwhile, commended those who participated in the elections and stressed that the process should have remained fair despite the disturbances that followed.
CUE IN CANDIDATES…..ON THE MATTER….RR//
Polly Asonya, the NRM Registrar for Bunagana Town Council, confirmed reports of chaos during the initial polling. He explained that due to the unrest, he sought intervention from higher authorities to restore order and fairness. Asonya revealed that during the second round of voting, Nteziyaremye boycotted the process and Niyonshima withdrew from the race, leaving Senzoga as the sole contender. Senzoga was ultimately declared the winner with 150 votes.
CUE IN ASONYA…..ON THE ISSUE…….RR//
In response to the allegations, the Kisoro District Police Commander, Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha dismissed the claims of intimidation, asserting that the police acted within the law and were committed to maintaining peace and protecting citizens and their property throughout the electoral process.
