Voter turnout estimated 80-90 percent

Voter turnout in the recently-concluded local elections was estimated at 80-90 percent, according to UN observers. In a summary of observations, received by IRIN today (Thursday), UNDP-Kigali described participation as "very active and quite impressive", with most voters in the 18-40 age bracket. Very few women candidates were either nominated or put themselves forward for election, the report noted. It described the observers' overall impression as quite positive, with no tension and minimal military or government presence. Voting was for the two lowest levels of administration, "cellule" and "secteur". Exiled opposition leader, Faustin Twagiramungu, described the poll as a "masquerade inspired by the mentors of the Kigali regime, notably the United States, to give the illusion of a democratic regime," according to news reports.