Rwanda Poll Body Can't Curb Social Media Use: Regulator

KIGALI, June 1, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 01st Jun, 2017 ) - Rwanda's media regulator has said the election body does not have the mandate to regulate social media use by presidential candidates, a measure seen as an assault on free speech.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) ruled last month that once campaigning starts on July 14, any social media updates by presidential candidates must be submitted to them for pre-approval.

However, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) which oversees the media, said in a statement late Wednesday that the NEC had "no mandate to regulate or interrupt the use of social media by citizens." "RURA as the statutory regulator has not had any discussions with NEC on this subject and would like to reaffirm the right of citizens to express themselves on social media .

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while respecting existing laws," wrote spokesman Anthony Kulamba. The ruling created a furore, with opposition leaders seeing it as a bid to block criticism of President Paul Kagame while US ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles said it was a "very, very serious limitation on the freedom of expression." The measure even raised eyebrows within government, with Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo writing on Twitter: "No offence to Rwanda NEC but Rwandans should express themselves freely on social media in election season."