Rwamagana - The chairman of National Electoral Commission (NEC), Professor Chrisologue Karangwa, Wednesday, sensitised Mayors in the Eastern Province about the forthcoming senatorial  elections.

The senate has 26 seats. 12 represent different provinces, eight are chosen by the President, four are nominated by the Consultative Forum of Political Parties, and two come from the private and government institutions.

The elections are expected to commence on September 26.

Rwandans go to polls to elect senators after every eight years.

The NEC boss said that the election criteria is almost similar to those of other forms of elections in Rwanda.

"There are few exceptions that must be observed in the forthcoming elections,” he said.

"The minimum education level required is a bachelor’s degree, but experience of service at a very high level may be considered...the education requirement is thus different from that of MPs,” he said.

The minimum age requirement is also high as aspiring candidates must beat at least 40 years of age.

Professor Karangwa, further took time to explain the preconditions of candidates expected from public and private higher institutions of learning.

"The candidate’s minimum level of education is Associate Professor. He must be serving on permanent basis in a given institution,” he stressed.

Annie Marie Nyiracumi, the deputy chairperson NEC, urged women vie in large numbers.

"There is no 3o percent slot  for women like in the lower chamber of parliament, the competition is stiff. Women will be required to register as candidates to be senators,” she said attracting laughter from audience.

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