The month long senatorial campaigns that saw various candidates traverse the country canvassing for votes ended yesterday with jubilation and sorrow in equal measure.

In the Northern Province, former Infrastructure Minister, Evariste Bizimana and former Inspector of Schools in the Ministry of Education Narcisse Musabyeyezu emerged victorious.

Out of the five candidates who were vying for the two seats in the province, Bizimana received 396 votes out of 429, while Musabyeyezu garnered 390 votes.

Anastasie Nyirangorere pooled 28 votes, Vincent Byamugema, got 26 votes while Arthur Kami Rusingiza got a paltry seven votes.

The vice president of the National Electoral Commission, Fatu Harerimana, said that there was a high voter turn out.

"The turn up was over 80 percent. It was peaceful and conducted in a free and fair manner,’’ Harerimana said.
 
Western Province

In the Western Province, the three leading candidates out of nine were as follows; Marie Therese Kagoyire Bishagara, 359, Apolinaire Mushinzimana, 358 while Dr. Jean Nepo Sindikubwabo polled 327 votes.

This province will be represented by three senators.

Mushinzimana is the coordinator of the National Decentralisation Implementation Secretariat (NDIS).

Bishagara is the founding Rector of Kigali Health Institute (KHI) and currently is among the top officials of Profemme Twese Hamwe. She holds a degree in Molecular Biology.

Provisional results from most of the districts show that the three candidates are leading the rest with a wide margin. All votes were in by press time save for those from Ngororero District.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Sindikubwabo, one of the leading candidates, pledged hard work and commitment if he wins.

"It will be a pleasure that Rwandans have entrusted me with the responsibility and I will work to the best of my ability,” he said.

The mood was ecstatic as members of the Electoral College came in as early as 8 a.m. at most polling stations.

The other candidates were Floride Uwamariya, Louis Nsengumuremyi, Lucie Uwimana, Jean Claude Butera, Console Uwimana and Tadeo Manyembwa.

Meanwhile, in the Southern Province, Marie Claire Mukasine, Dr. Jean Damascene Bizimana, and Gallican Niyongana were leading in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts.

Mukasine is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The elections in Muhanga started late due to delayed arrival of voters. 60 out of the total number of 61 eligible voters turned out.The elections, which were peaceful, were held at the Muhanga cultural centre.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Province, the electorate was made of 459 voters.

Twelve candidates vied for the seats and winners were as follows: Donatille Mukabalisa garnered 356 votes representing 77.55 percent,  Michel Rugema got 313, representing 68.19 percent, while Celestin Sebuhoro got 289, which represents 62.96 percent.

By Bonny Mukombozi, Sam Nkurunziza, Alex Ngarambe, Daniel Sabiiti, and Stephen Rwembeho 

Ends