A cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on January 28, appointed Gaspard Musonera as the new chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Before his appointment, Musonera served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Public Service, a position he held since February 2017. Musonera replaces Oda Gasinzigwa, who had led the commission since early 2023. During Gasinzigwa's tenure, Rwanda successfully conducted major electoral exercises, including the 2024 presidential election, alongside legislative and local government polls. The NEC constitutionally mandated to organise and manage presidential, legislative, and local government elections, as well as referenda. It also oversees other elections provided for by law, including those of youth and women councils, Abunzi (conciliators), and other designated bodies. NEC is also responsible for establishing electoral constituencies, setting up provincial, district, and municipal branches, conducting civic and voter education programmes, publishing election results, and ensuring that all elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
