Frank Habineza and Alphonse Nkubana have been nominated for senatorial seats by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO). Their election took place on Tuesday, October 14, during the forum's extraordinary General Assembly meeting held in Kigali. Habineza, the President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Nkubana, the Chairman of the Prosperity and Solidarity Party (PSP) will replace Senators Alexis Mugisha of DGPR and Clotilde Mukakarangwa of Centrist Democratic Party (PDC), whose terms will expire on October 22. Their nomination will be subject to Supreme Court approval. ALSO READ: Six senators set to complete their terms next week Habineza and Nkubana expressed gratitude to their respective parties, and to the leaders of the 11 political parties that make up the NFPO, for their trust and support. Habineza said he was pleased to be returning to Parliament, having previously served as a deputy in the Lower House for a five-year term until last year. “I am very happy. It's clear that the responsibilities are greater now because senators have a special role in overseeing the implementation of fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution,” he said. Habineza underscored his commitment to promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans, fighting genocide ideology, enacting relevant laws, and improving citizens’ welfare—especially through combating poverty and enhancing healthcare services. Upholding and ensuring respect for the fundamental principles is a responsibility of the Senate provided for under Article 10 of the Constitution of Rwanda. Those fundamental principles are prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, fight against denial and revisionism of genocide as well as eradication of genocide ideology and all its manifestations; eradication of discrimination and divisionism based on ethnicity, region or any other ground, as well as promotion of national unity. Others are equitable power-sharing; building a state governed by the rule of law, a pluralistic democratic government, equality of all Rwandans and between women and men which is affirmed by women occupying at least 30 per cent of positions in decision-making organs; building a State committed to promoting social welfare and establishing appropriate mechanisms for equal opportunity to social justice; as well as constant quest for solutions through dialogue and consensus. For Nkubana, he expressed his readiness to contribute actively in the Senate. “There are already my colleagues in the Senate. My goal is to collaborate with them, contribute to the work they’ve already been doing, and bring in my strength and expertise,” he said. ALSO READ: 15 things you should know about Rwanda’s Senate According to the 2019 organic law governing elections, once senatorial candidates are selected, the NFPO must submit their files to the Supreme Court within three days for approval. NFPO spokesperson MP Alice Muzana said the forum would comply with this legal requirement. She explained that under Article 8 of the Rwandan Constitution, the NFPO is mandated to appoint four senators in two phases—two at the beginning of a new Senate term and two a year later. “Last year, two senators were appointed. This week’s election completes the required number, as the terms of two serving senators end on October 22,” she said. Requirements to be a senator For one to be elected or appointed as a senator, he or she must fulfil requirements including being a Rwandan national of integrity with great experience; hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification or having occupied senior responsibilities in the public or private sector; not to have been deprived of civil and political rights; and be at least 40 years of age. Other requirements include not to have been definitively sentenced to a main penalty equal to or higher than a six-month of imprisonment, which was not erased by amnesty or rehabilitation; and not barred by any restrictions provided for in the law. These restrictions apply in situations including when a person was convicted of the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity or they have been convicted of defilement or rape.
