GICUMBI -Voting for the Sector Advisory Council elections, on Monday, ended before mid day, at various polling stations visited by The New Times in Gicumbi District.

In Byumba Sector, residents turned up to cast their votes as early as 6.00 a.m.

"Most residents at Gacurabwenge Cell polling station cast their votes between 6.00 and 7.00 AM”, said the cell Executive Secretary, Elie Nzabarinda.

At Inyange Primary School poling station, a handful of residents could be seen winding up the voting exercise by 9.00 a.m.

"The majority of the business community turned up early in the morning to cast their votes so as to return to their businesses,” said Elie Fatako, an area resident.

Byumba Sector had eight male candidates contesting for the Sector Advisory

Council positions and two women vying for the women Sector Advisory Council posts.

Neighbouring Kageyo Sector had three male and three women candidates.

The elderly and pregnant women were given priority to vote at most polling stations.

"I exercised my democratic right as early as 6.20 AM to vote for candidates of my choice,” said a trader at Byumba market, Jean Nsengiyumva.

"I expect those who win to address the common interests of all residents, during their term in office”.

Ends