Parties’ forum updated on senatorial polls

KIGALI - Officials from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), yesterday, briefed the Forum For Political Parties (FFPP) on the upcoming senatorial elections slated for the end September this year. The FFPP is constitutionally recognised as a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among political organisations on the country’s problems and national policies. Addressing the forum, Prof Chrysologue Karangwa, the chairman of NEC said that among 26 senators, four are designated by the political parties’ forum. “We briefed the political parties about the senatorial elections because they have a big role in appointing some of the senators,” he said. Karangwa reminded them about the requirements of prospective senatorial aspirants which include among others, 40 years of age minimum, Rwandan by nationality, curriculum vitae showing one’s profession, place and date of birth, and two coloured passport photos. “It’s part of our campaign to go countrywide informing all constituencies about these forthcoming elections because they form a strong pillar that connects good governance and sustainable development in the country,” he said. He called upon the parties’ forum to select senetors who will represent and promote the interests of all Rwandans. NEC Chairman further informed the forum that at least 30 percent of the senators to assume office in the next term would be women. He, accordingly, urged women to participate at the senatorial polls in large numbers. MP Juvenal Nkusi from Social Democratic Party (PSD) commended NEC for the initiative saying that it had given the forum’s officials a broader understanding of the upcoming polls. “We are part of the group that selects some of the senators, so we needed much information about the calendar and the general guidelines of the elections,” he noted. Jacqueline Mukakanyamugenge, spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum called upon the forum’s representatives to participate in the senatorial elections. The elections for the 12 senators who represent different provinces and the City of Kigali are slated for September 26 while government and private institutions will pick their representatives the following day. The senate is made up of 26 senators, and among them, 12 represent different provinces, eight are appointed by the President, four are designated by the FFPP, and two come from the private and government institutions of higher learning. The constitution limits a senator’s term to eight non-renewable years, meaning that all those who assumed office in 2003, are on the verge of making way for a new team. Ends