Two more legislators have resigned. Giovanni Bushishi and Celestin Kabahizi – the latter a representative to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) – tendered in their resignations yesterday. Both legislators subscribe to the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Dr Vincent Biruta, the PSD president, confirmed the resignations, saying both cited “personal reasons” for resignation. “We have received their resignation letters and we have to respect their request but we do not know much about the reasons, other than personal reasons as they stated in the letters,” he said. Article 78 of the Constitution stipulates that any MP who is expelled or resigns from their political organisation automatically loses their seat in the Chamber of Deputies. The 65-year-old clinical psychologist joined Parliament 10 months ago, replacing Caritas Mukandasira, the current Western Province governor. The duo resigned days after the resignation of long-serving legislator Connie Bwiza Sekamana, who also citing personal reasons. Abdul Karim Harelimana, a member of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), also resigned from EALA early this year, and was later replaced by Martin Ngoga. Kabahizi, 55, had been the Western Province governor for five years before joining EALA in October 2013, replacing Jacqueline Muhongayire, the former Minister for EAC Affairs. Bushishi has lost his seat as MP after resigning from PSD. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
