KIGALI, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's National Electoral Commission said Thursday that candidates of presidential elections to be held in August will not send social media campaign messages to voters without passing through the commission.
Speaking at a press conference in Kigali, the commission head Kalisa Mbanda said candidates' divisive messages would not be allowed to reach the public.
He said candidates will be required to register their social media teams.
"Any mass message should pass through our office. Different institutions in charge of communication and information technology will help us ensure that this rule is respected," he said.
He also warned against campaigning beyond stipulated time.
Election campaigns are expected to run between July 14 and August 3. The voting date is scheduled on August 4, while the diaspora will vote on August 3.
Charles Munyaneza, the commission executive secretary, said candidates will be briefed about social media regulation during campaigns.
"The best way was to put in place regulations so that people are conversant with what is expected of them," he said.
According to the commission, nomination of presidential candidates is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 23. The provisional list of qualified candidates is due to be announced on June 27, and the final list of candidates will be announced on July 7.
More than 6 million Rwandans will participate in the voting, said NEC.