GICUMBI - The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Chrysologue Karangwa, has warned districts’ councillors not to accept bribes from senate candidates.

The councillors will elect 12 senators to represent provinces in the next Senate.

Karangwa made the remarks, Tuesday, during senatorial campaigns in Gicumbi District, Northern Province.

He observed that councillors may be lured to vote in favour of a candidate who might have bribed them.

"You should represent your electorate. By selling your vote, remember you will have sold the Rwandans who trusted you,” Karangwa stressed.

The Senatorial elections are scheduled to be held on September 26.

Of the five aspirants in the Province, only two senators will be picked to represent the province.

During the campaign, each candidate was given ten minutes introduce themselves and present their manifestoes.

According to the electoral commission, Gicumbi has the highest number of councillors eligible to vote, who total 101.

The Northern Province senatorial candidates

Eng. Evariste Bizimana: 47-year-old former Executive Secretary of Works for General Interest Program (TIG). Bizimana holds a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering from the National University of Rwanda.

He is also a former lecturer at the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Minister of Infrastructure and a member of parliament.

He says he intends to fight the genocide ideology and foster unity and reconciliation if elected. He also promises to push for favourable laws.

Vincent Ryamugema, the 57-year-old attended his education in Burundi. He holds A Bachelor’s degree in Education Science from Burundi’s National University.

He worked as a Primary School Program Manager in the Education ministry in Burundi from 1977-1995. After he returned to Rwanda, he became a Director General in charge of Social Affairs in the Prime Minister’s office.

He promises to advocate for justice and development.

Anastasie Nyirangorore, 47.

Attended her secondary education at Kibeho secondary school and thereafter went for law studies at Kigali Independent University (ULK).

She worked as secretary in the Nyarugenge High Court from 2009-2011.

Nyirangorore promises to foster unity among Rwandans and push for appropriate laws.

Arthur Kami Rusingiza: Is a  former Mayor of Kabuga and National Program Manager of the Gacaca courts between 2004 and 2006.

He says he intends to fight corruption and improve economy in the villages, by particularly advocating for better housing.

Narcisse Musabeyezu: The 67-year-old holds a Masters Degree in Education. Musabeyezu worked as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and was later appointed as the Inspectorate General of Education.

He says will tackle the issue of illiteracy in the country and promote a knowledge based economy.

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