Political parties and independent candidates align on ballot paper

At least seventeen political parties, one coalition and nine independent candidates for this year’s elections have participated in the draw for the serial numbers of the badges to be put on the ballot paper for the 2020 elections this February 18.

Political parties and independent candidates participating in the draw for the serial numbers of the badges to be put on the ballot paper for the 2020 elections

Pierre Claver Kazihise, Chairman of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) has said political parties and independent candidates will follow each other on the ballot paper referring to the numbers drawn.

“This is a definitive ballot paper. Those who will present their badges after this session will also do the same to choose other numbers,” he says.
Twenty eight participants have taken part in the draw. CNDD-FDD ruling party will top the ballot paper.

Some participants in the meeting have however raised concerns about the ballot paper.
Jean de Dieu Mutabazi, Chairman of the COPA 2020 coalition has said the ballot paper should be temporary as there are political parties and independent candidates who have not yet presented their badges. “May their inclusion change our selected number on the ballot paper,” he has said.

As for Evariste Ndayishimiye, Secretary General of CNDD-FDD ruling party, he says those who will withdraw after the establishment of the ballot paper should be punished according to the electoral code. “Their withdrawal would change the electoral process,” he says.
Ildéphonse Rugema, an independent candidate said the draw should take place after analyzing the required documents of all candidates. “CENI would proceed with the definitive draw once it has approved candidacies,” he says.

Annociate Niyonkuru, Deputy Chairperson of the National Independent Electoral Commission has said the draw is not done early because the number drawn will remain the same even for the three election types of May 20, even when there is a case of withdrawal.
“The number will match with the party badge. Whoever will withdraw from the process after the ballot paper is printed will pay all expenses according to Article 104 of the electoral code,” she concludes.