Local government by-elections start Saturday October 28

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has set October 28 to November 17 as the dates to fill vacant positions in local government leadership. The commission said a total of 15,014 positions whose occupants resigned or fell vacant for other reasons will be filled. The latest local leaders’ elections were held in February and March 2016. The election at the village and cell levels will be by lining up behind candidates, while for sector and district levels will be by secret ballot. Immacullee Mukarurangwa, the NEC vice-executive secretary, told The New Times that the positions to be filled include cell executive committees and cell councils, councillors at sectors and districts, as well as representatives of women, youth, and people with disabilities. Rubavu and Kamonyi districts will be electing new mayors. A district mayor is elected by a district council made up of representatives of all the sectors in the district, representatives of youth and women in the district, a representative of the private sector in the district, as well as those representing people living with disabilities in the district. Mukarurangwa explained that elections at the village and cell levels will be held during Umuganda (a monthly community service) on Saturday, October 28. “The opening poll will be on the last Saturday of the month during community service. We discussed with Local Government ministry and agreed on this. This will ease the process and save time. It is easier for the public to participate. On that day, residents will do Umuganda and then elect village and cell leaders respectively,” Mukarurangwa said. She said the commission was well prepared to ensure a smooth exercise. It will vet candidates for positions as well as distribute ballots at sector and district levels. She called on the public to participate in selecting visionary leaders who are able to work for them towards development of the country. Ladislas Ngendahimana, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government, said the ministry is partnering with the commission to sensitise the public on elections. The ministry will work with security organs to ensure the polls are conducted successfully. Elections calendar Since October 10 t0 20, aspirants have been submitting their credentials to electoral commission office at the district, on October 24 the final list will released, and from October 26 candidates will be holding campaigns. Again, on November 11, election of counsellors in the sector to fill positions at District level will be conducted, November 13 will be election to fill special positions at district level, while on November 14 there will be election to fill special positions at sector level. On November 17, there will be elections for district counselors and mayors. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Local government by-elections start Saturday October 28