A delegation from the National Electoral Commission, yesterday, sensitized students from Kigali Independent University (ULK), Gisenyi Campus, about the forthcoming senatorial elections.

The commission is touring universities and institutions of higher learning briefing staff and students.

Private and public institutions will nominate one representative each to the senate.

"Since universities will send representatives to the senate, we are moving around encouraging lecturers to submit in their candidatures,” said Juvens Musefano, a commissioner at the electoral body.

Musefano added that it is important for students to understand the electoral process and the essence of universities representation in the upper chamber of the parliament.

The eight-year non-renewable mandate of the outgoing senators is coming to end, with elections for the new members slated for September 26 and 27.

The senate consists of 26 members in general. The electoral commission will start receiving nomination forms on August 2.

Emmanuel Cyeze, the vice rector of academics at ULK, called upon his staff to embrace the opportunity and submit their candidatures.

"The minimum qualification is 40 years of age, a bachelor’s degree and we have more than enough qualified teachers to compete for the senate seat,” Cyeze said.

Prof Rwigamba Balinda, the proprietor of ULK has been the representative of  private universities in the outgoing Senate.

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