Rwanda poll 'marred by fraud'
2003-10-03 20:06
Kigali - Serious irregularities and fraud marred this week's legislative elections in Rwanda, a team of European Union observers said on Friday.
The team added, however, that the polls, which delivered an overwhelming victory to the party led by President Paul Kagame "constituted an important step towards durable democracy."
In most of the country's provinces "there were irregularities and fraud," EU team leader Colette Flesh told a news conference.
"Manipulation of voter lists in some polling stations suggest ballot box stuffing," she said.
Voting on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday took place "in a calm and orderly manner," she said.
The EU had the largest observer team at the elections, with 68 members.
Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front won an absolute majority in parliament.
Serious opposition was effectively barred from contesting the election.