Two of the institutions that will be crucial to managing Rwanda's upcoming presidential election seem to be at loggerheads with just eight weeks to go before polls are opened on 4 August.

The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has issued a statement rejecting plans announced by the country's National Electoral Commission (NEC) late last week to regulate social media leading up to the election.

A tweet sent from the NEC's official twitter account states that the electoral commission "will adjust social media regulations based on public feedback" as part of a "mission is to ensure free, fair and safe elections".

Anthony Kulamba, spokesperson for RURA has since issued a statement on behalf of the communications regulator rejecting the NEC's plans.

"Following the recent statement by NEC regarding handling of social media during elections in Rwanda, RURA would like to inform the public that in accordance with the ICT law and media law, the National Electoral Commission has no mandate to regulate or interrupt the use of social media by citizens."

Kulamba adds that RURA as the statutory regulator has not had any discussions with NEC on the subject of regulating social media and that the regulator "would like to reaffirm the right of citizens to express themselves on social media and other ICT platforms, while respecting existing laws."

There has been mixed reaction to the NEC's tweet with some Rwandans praising the intention to regulate social media while others express their disapproval. The NEC has not posted any further tweets or additional related information.

John Mukum Mbaku, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Africa Growth Initiative says Rwanda's 2017 election is worth watching for many reasons.

"Rwanda is a key player in political stability and economic growth and development in the African Great Lakes Region. President Paul Kagame has improved stability and economic growth in post-genocide Rwanda and many believe that another term in office will allow him to move the country, and perhaps the region, to middle-income status and stable democracy. Then again, many international organisations, including Human Rights Watch, believe that Rwanda under Kagame has evolved into a one-party state. There is a growing fear that Kagame, despite his economic achievements, has become increasingly intolerant of political opposition and has used 'genocide prevention' as a strategy to limit competitive politics in the country."

President Kagame who also serves as co-chair of the United Nations' Broadband Commission, has been commended for Rwanda's pursuit of excellence in ICT during his seven year term as president.

He received the 2014 World Telecommunication Information Society award from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for his "exceptional contribution to improving lives of world citizens through ICTs".

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 identified "basic weaknesses" that still need to be tackled by Rwanda in a ranking among 140 other economies from around the world.

"...despite improvements, infrastructure (97th) is hampered especially by electricity and telephony (112th), while the workforce's health (108th) and higher education (120th) remain low."

WEF placed Rwanda at 13th place ahead of all other African countries for the strength of the country's public institutions.