NEC Approves 32 Candidates for Senate Elections

By The Inspirer.

On August 17, 2024, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced the list of 32 candidates approved to contest for Senate seats in Rwanda’s Parliament.

NEC confirmed 28 candidates who will be elected by specific electoral bodies based on the country’s governance structure, including the four provinces and the City of Kigali.

In the Northern Province, the candidates are Dr. Nyinawamwiza Laetitia, Gatera Jean d’Amour, and Rugira Amandin. The Southern Province has Uwera Pélagie, Nkurunziza Innocent, Iyakaremye Innocent, Umutangana Aimee Jacqueline, Umuhire Adrie, Cyitatire Sosthene, and Mukamana Elisabeth.

The Eastern Province candidates include Bideri John Bonds, Nambaje Aphrodise, Urujeni Angeline, Nsengiyumva Fulgence, and Mukabaramba Alvera. In the Western Province, the candidates are Havugimana Emmanuel, Kabahizi Céléstin, Nyaminani Boniface, Mporanyi Théobard, Hitimana Sylvestre, Nyirabahire Spéciose, Mureshyankwano Marie Rose, Niyomugabo Cyprien, and Nzabamwita Bernadette.

The City of Kigali has four candidates: Katusiime Hellen, Mfurankunda Pravda, Nkubito Edi-Jones, and Nyirasafari Espérance.

NEC also approved three candidates for the Senate seat elected by public higher learning institutions: Kagwesage Anne Marie, Ngarambe Télésphore, and Ntakirutimana Evariste.

For the Senate seat elected by private higher learning institutions, one candidate was approved: Uwimbabazi Penina.

A Presidential decree issued on June 16, 2024, confirmed that Senate candidates will campaign from August 26 to September 14, with elections commencing on September 16, 2024.

The Senate comprises 26 seats, including 12 elected by specific electoral bodies based on the country’s governance structure, eight appointed by the President of the Republic, and four appointed by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations.

One Senator is elected from teachers or researchers in public higher learning institutions, and another is elected from teachers or researchers in private higher learning institutions.