Senatorial polls to cost Rwf500m

KIGALI - The National Electoral Commission (NEC), has allocated Rwf 500 million for the the senatorial elections slated for the end of September. Charles Munyaneza, NEC Executive Secretary disclosed this, yesterday, during a press conference to update journalists on the forthcoming polls of the members of the Upper Chamber of Parliament. “We have budgeted Rwf 500 million to cover all the expenses from the senatorial polls and we hope the money will be enough for the exercise,” he said. The elections for the 12 senators who represent different provinces and the City of Kigali will take place on September 26 while government and private institutions will pick their representatives the following day. Munyaneza noted that women would constitute at least 30 percent of the senators to be elected for the next eight-year term. The senate is made up of 26 seats. 12 represent different provinces, eight are appointed by the President, four are designated by the Consultative Forum of Political Parties, and two come from the private and government institutions. Speaking at the news briefing, the Chairman of NEC, Chrysologue Karangwa, said that prospective senatorial aspirants will submit their candidatures at the electoral body between August 1-15, with campaigns set to run from September 6 - 25. “The 12 senators who represent all provinces and Kigali will be elected through Electoral Colleges, which will constitute members of the District and Sector advisory councils,” he added. Karangwa stated that the final election results for the 12 senators representing different provinces and the City of Kigali will be announced on October 4. He said that, a prospective senatorial aspirant will be required to be at least 40 years of age, Rwandan by nationality, bring forth a copy of his/her curriculum vitae, two coloured passport photos and indicate proof of place and date of birth among other requirements. The Constitution limits senators to one none renewable term of eight years. Ends