The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda expressed confidence in the preparations for the upcoming Senate elections, scheduled for September 16-17. Campaigns officially began earlier this week, with 32 candidates vying for 26 seats in the Senate, the upper chamber of Rwanda’s Parliament.
At a press conference held in Kigali on Friday, NEC Chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa praised the progress of the campaign period, urging the electoral college to participate fully in the voting process.
“The election of senators is vital as it allows Rwandans to choose their representatives in Parliament. The Electoral Commission has put all necessary measures in place to ensure a smooth and transparent election,” Gasinzigwa stated. “We encourage the electoral college to turn out in large numbers, reinforcing the democratic values cherished by our nation.”
The campaigns, which commenced on August 26, will continue until September 14. The election will be conducted in two phases: on September 16, senators representing administrative entities will be elected, followed by the election of senators representing public and private universities and institutions of higher learning on September 17.
Candidates are required to be at least 40 years old and possess a university degree to qualify for the Senate election. The final results are expected to be announced by September 29, 2024, in accordance with the Presidential Order issued on June 16, which established the polling dates and campaign period for the Senate elections.
