Rwanda's National Electoral Commission (NEC) expressed confidence on Friday regarding the upcoming Senate elections scheduled for September 16-17. With 32 candidates competing for 26 Senate seats, the NEC assures that all preparations are in place to facilitate a seamless electoral process.
Campaigns for the Senate seats kicked off earlier this week, running until September 14. The Senate, Rwanda's upper parliamentary chamber, comprises lawmakers elected by electoral colleges from Kigali, provinces, and higher education institutions, alongside senators appointed by the president and representatives from political organizations.
Oda Gasinzigwa, chairperson of the NEC, emphasized the importance of the elections in reinforcing Rwanda's democratic principles. \"The election of senators ensures that Rwandans choose their parliamentary representatives. We have mobilized all necessary requirements to guarantee a smooth election,\" she stated during a press conference in Kigali.
The electoral process involves sector councilors for district representation and university representatives elected by academic and research staff from public and private institutions. Candidates must be at least 40 years old and hold a university degree to qualify for the Senate.
The NEC's proactive measures aim to encourage high participation from the electoral college, strengthening democracy and ensuring the chosen representatives effectively reflect the will of the Rwandan people.
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Rwanda's electoral body says ready to ensure smooth Senate election
cgtn.com
