The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has announced the opening of candidacy submissions for by-elections to fill vacant positions in district councils. The submission of candidacy runs from March 10 to 14, 2025.

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The districts having by-elections to elect new councillors include Bugesera, Burera, Karongi, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyamasheke, Nyanza, and Rusizi. These by-elections will also set the stage for the selection of new mayors and vice mayors in some districts, following recent resignations.

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In April 2024, the Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Rusizi District, Louis Ndagijimana Munyemanzi, resigned from his position, along with three other district councillors, citing "personal reasons.”

ALSO READ: Rusizi Mayor Kibiriga, two officials resign

In November 2024, Anicet Kibiriga, the Mayor of Rusizi District, resigned, along with the Vice Mayor for Social Affairs, Anne Marie Dukuzumuremyi, and Jeanne D&039;Arc Niyonsaba, a district councillor overseeing the National Women Council (CNF).

The resignations in Rusizi followed similar resignations in Karongi District, where Mayor Valentine Mukase resigned, along with Vice Mayor for Economic Development Niragire Théophile.

The two resigned on November 15, alongside Donatha Dusingize, who led the District Council.

"Women councillors, who make up 30% of district council members, will be elected in Karongi and Rusizi districts. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and meet other requirements as per electoral law," said a statement signed by Jean Claude Musabyimana, NEC Executive Secretary, on March 10.

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Candidates must submit a letter with their name, date and place of birth, profession, and residence, the position they are seeking, a photocopy of their national identity card, a notarized copy of their degree, two passport-sized photos, a valid criminal record certificate, and a CV.

Campaigns for the by-elections will take place from March 27 to 29, with the elections to fill the vacant district council positions scheduled for March 29. On the same day, by-elections will also be held to fill vacant positions in the district councillors’ bureaus and executive committees.

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These district councillor by-elections follow previous elections at the cell and sector levels. By-elections for cell councils took place on Sunday, March 9, and by-elections for sector councils are scheduled for March 15.