SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — The National University of Rwanda (NUR) has proposed amendments to the university constitution to enable smooth fresh guild elections.

Last year’s guild elections were marred by gross irregularities prompting the intervention of the university authorities. Tension was high at the country’s oldest and biggest university with some candidates campaigning along ethnic and political party lines.

Consequently, the elections were suspended and two students dismissed indefinitely. A caretaker students’ committee was instituted pending another round of elections.

The Dean of students, Medard Runyange, told The New Times that the constitutional amendments await approval by the students’ general assembly, before being adopted.

"We have proposed a number of changes in the constitution that will enable a smooth election process. The changes await the approval of the general assembly and endorsement by the University Board,” said Runyange.

Once adopted, the campaign period will be shorter and candidates will canvass for votes in Electoral College, unlike before when the campaigns were public.

"Candidates will only be required to campaign before the electoral college which is composed of student representatives. This will reduce the unnecessary tension that comes with public campaigns,” Runyange added.

An electoral commission composed of university and students’ representatives has been established to oversee the elections. The election date is yet to be fixed.

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