MUHANGA- The 16 candidates vying to represent the Southern Province in the Senate have all promised to play an active advocacy role once elected.

The candidates were speaking at a rally held at Gitarama cultural centre Thursday.

The lively campaign thrilled both the Muhanga Electoral College and residents alike.

The south has the biggest number of candidates and six of these are female. Only three candidates will be selected out the group during the elections slated for September 26 and 27.

The contest was tight, composed of eloquent personalities. Most of them were prominent and experienced educationists who have served in various institutions both in government and private sector.

Hormisadas Kambanda Rucweli, 62, surprised the Electoral College when he handed sealed envelopes containing his campaign leaflets inscribed with names of each voting councilor. The scenario sent the crowd into amazement and curiosity on his creativity.

Marie Claire Mukasine, the PS of Ministry of Infrastructure and former PS in Migeprof, is among the female contestants.

She boasted of wide work experience after years of working for the government and the private sector.

"With the experience and skills acquired, I will better represent the community needs, and continue my journey of advocating for better infrastructure, roads, water and electricity to be extended to all villages,” Mukasine said.

While Marguerite Mukansanga, 60, a former prefect of ex-Gitarama province, thrilled the crowds as she said that advocacy has been her ‘label’ and she only need a vote to complete her journey.

"I have already done a good job of advocating for Rwandans. My next plan is to drive Rwandans into a working as- one people, one nation, one vision and one team,” Mukansanga said.

Other candidates also stressed the need of fighting genocide ideology, promoting peace and unity, human rights and fighting all sorts of corruption and existing traces of gender based violence.

Jean Fidèle Uwayezu, 45, a former soldier and holder of the Lliberation Medal, said security and peace and unity will be his main focus in order to attain development and prosperity in Rwanda.

"I have fought for this country and I will continue to do so by giving my life for the people of Rwanda to have peace and security so as to develop and prosper”  the jolly Uwayezu said, attracting deafening applaud from the crowd.

A Commissioner in the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Goretti Dusabe, hailed the candidates for campaigning well and using their time appropriately. She also remarked that the Muhanga residents showed up in big numbers unlike in most places, where the candidates have been hosted.

The candidate lineup is made of: François Xavier Mpayimana, Jean François Munyakayanza, Fidèle Uwizeye, Hormisadas Kambanda Rucweli, Jean Fidèle Uwayezu, Dr. Emmanuel Havugimana, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, Dr. Jean de la Croix Nkurayija Gallican Niyongana and Vénuste Ruhigana.

The fenale candidates include Marie Claire Mukamusonera, Marie Claire Mukasine, Bellancille Umukobwa, Josepha Nyiracumi,  Marguerite Mukansanga, Coltilde Murebwayire.

Ends