CHRI: Grave Concerns over Rwanda’s Elections
CHRI is deeply concerned at the continued restrictions and threats to opposition parties in the run up to Rwanda’s Presidential elections on 9 August 2010 and urges the Rwandan Government to take immediate steps to ensure respect for the basic, universal rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly of opposition parties. The absence of these rights is tantamount to breaches of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political principles that insist on free and fair elections (Harare Declaration 1991).On Commonwealth day, 8 March 2010, CHRI once again brings to the notice of the Commonwealth Secretary General the growing number of concerns surrounding political freedoms in Rwanda. Despite grave representations by CHRI and others about the appropriateness of Rwanda’s readiness for membership, given its record on human rights and its questionable role in the conflict in the Congo, Rwanda was unconditionally admitted to the Commonwealth as its newest member at the Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago last November.
Rwanda’s membership requires that it honours and complies with the Commonwealth’s fundamental political principles which include respect for civil society and human rights. The Chair of a new opposition party, United Democratic Forces (UDF) has written to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth alleging state orchestrated harassment, describing violence against herself and colleagues as well as outlining the restrictive environment facing opposition parties in their electoral challenge to the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
Under Article 13 of the Rwandan constitution it is an offence to engage in “revisionism” or “negationism” (denial of the genocide). These are so broadly defined to include anyone who disagrees with the ruling RPF’s account of the Genocide. On the 25th of February the Ministry for Security in Rwanda issued a statement saying that any politician who “slanders the country” or is “against public unity” would be punished. In addition the Minister for Local Government has reportedly threatened to crackdown on unregistered political parties who are members of the Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties.
Office28 Russell Square
London WC1B 5DS, UK
Tel: +44-207-8628857
Fax: +44-207-8628820
E-mail: chri@sas.ac.uk
CHRI Ghana Office
No. 9, Samora Machel Road, Asylum Down
Box CT 6136 Cantonment, Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233-21271170
Fax: +233-21-244819
E-mail: chriafr@africaonline.com.gh
Further opposition parties have alleged that the government is making it hard to register by continually changing registration rules; the National Electoral Commission which regulates these matters is controlled by the members of the RPF. A number of opposition parties have also complained that they face repeated harassment from government officials and the members of the RPF.
It is imperative that the Govt of Rwanda thoroughly investigates, in a manner satisfactory to opposition parties, the many incidents of intimidation and bring those responsible to justice. It should also ensure that its electoral processes are consistent with UN and Commonwealth standards for free and fair elections.
CHRI urges the Commonwealth Secretary General to insist that the Rwandan government makes every effort to create genuine democratic political atmosphere in the country prior August 2010 elections.
We call upon the Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma, in his meetings this week with President Kagame, to urge him to ensure that in these first Rwanda elections as a Commonwealth member, the standards are patently free and fair and in compliance with Commonwealth values.
Maja Daruwala
Director, CHRI
The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a “time”, yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine
I cant trust more Words. How many statements have been released regarding RPF actions? Killings millions and millions,democratie, wars in the region unfortunately nothing changed.
Yes, I agree with all those who took first step but we need a BIG STEP for ACTION. This can describe as Wasting our Time?
– We need An Open Letter to Peacebuilders not to Destroyers.
What are the achievements and constraints of the peacebuilding field? How can its full potential be achieved, at a moment which can be described as GOOD STEP?
RPF(KAGAME) WOULD NEVER CAHNGE its behaviour Without any action.
Releasing Reports and Statements this looks like Joking. ACTIONS PLEASE NOT WORDS because people in Rwanda NEED PEACE AND FREEDOM( They ARE HUNGRY).
I am surprised by this comment from 'Anonymous'. Just saying that 'we need acion' without saying what action is needed is not going to help us. If you have suggestions, be specific. You say "We need An Open Letter to Peacebuilders not to Destroyers.". Please be specific. Otherwise, your contribution will end up discouraging those who believe that everyone who calls for end of injustice and distress in that country is welcome.