Dr. Richard Sezibera, the former Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), was on Thursday elected Senator to occupy the vacant position left after the demise of Senator, Jean de Dieu Mucyo who passed away earlier in October.

The electorate included members of district advisory councils and three members from each sector’s bureau of councils namely president, vice president and secretary of the sector council across the Southern Province.

In total there were 509 voters but 497, representing 97.6 voted, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

A total of five candidates participated in the elections.

Sezibera secured 63.9 percent of the votes to beat his rivals.

His closest challenger Monique Mukakarera garnered 28 percent, while Dr Francois Masabo got 11.9 percent.

Other candidates Veneranda Mukamuganga and Felicitee Muhimakazi got 5.6 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.

"Richard Sezibera is the new elected Senator from Southern Province. He will replace Hon Jean de Dieu Mucyo,” tweeted NEC.

Sezibera will serve until 2019, when the next senate elections will take place, according to officials.

NEC officials said that provisional results will be announced on December 6.

By December 13, the final results will have been announced.

There are 26 senators, 12 elected from four provinces of the country and City of Kigali. Some come from groups such as the academia, political parties, while eight are nominated by the President.

The Southern Province should have three senators, but one position fell vacant following Mucyo’s demise.

Sezibera, 52, served as the Secretary General of the East African Community until last year when his term ended.

He has also served as the minister for health and as a Member of Parliament, among other positions.

Eligible candidates for the senate should be above 40 years and hold either, at least a bachelor’s degree, or having served in high ranking positions either in public or private institutions.

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