Parliament yesterday adopted a new law that will govern the electoral procedure of Rwanda representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).The law was seconded by 56 out of 62 members. It replaces one which was initially used but not provided for in the national constitution.As Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama tabled the draft law before the lower chamber of deputies, parliament was drawn into prolonged debate with some MPs arguing that it went against the constitution.However, Karugarama cited provisions under which the new organic law can be adopted without violating the constitution.“Despite its existence, the constitution does not fully recognise the current law as an organic law. It’s therefore within the limits of the constitution to replace it, especially since there is a precedent where we have done it before,” he argued.“All elections in Rwanda have to be conducted in accordance with the law. It’s therefore important to address it as soon as possible since the elections are near,” he said.The term of office for members of the EALA end this June but it is expected that by 15th April all elections should be complete in all the East African member statesEach country is represented by nine members who serve a renewable term of five years, apart from the Speaker, whose position is rotated among member states.
