Three candidates have begun convassing for votes to represent the Eastern Province in the Senate, replacing Donatille Mukabalisa.

Mukabalisa last year resigned from the Senate to contest in parliamentary elections, and was later picked by her colleagues as the Speaker.

The National Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election next week, on August 29, and will be held through an electoral college comprising district and sector advisory councils in the province.

Speaking to The New Times, Frank Rwigamba Kayiranga, the NEC coordinator in the province, said everything is in place and campaigns have begun.

Claudette Muhimpundu, one of the candidates, said she was quite conversant with the problems of the constituency having lived there for a long time.

 "I have vast experience in management…this coupled with the fact that I will be part of the system will enable me  serve you better,” said Muhimpundu, who heads a women association, Asoferwa, in the province.

She said she understands all the concerns of the people having served the province for 20 years.

"It is this knowledge that I will take to the Senate to serve you and the nation. Just give me your mandate and you won’t regret,” she told a rally in Rwamagana town.

Gertrude Kazarwa, another candidate, said she was committed to the country’s development.

"I have taken responsibility to  actively pertake in the development of this nation. I am doing research in a number of areas that will pave way for development,” said Kazarwa, an employee of  World Vision.

The other candidate is Theopista Bagwaneza, an entrepreneur.