The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has formally declared Ben Niyonshuti the Member of Parliament representing Youth in the Chamber of Deputies, following the final tally of the September 2 by-election.

Niyonshuti secured 47 of the 197 valid votes cast, representing 23.9 per cent, the highest tally among the 53 candidates who contested the seat, according to results signed by NEC Chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa on September 9.

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David Shema came second with 20 votes (10.2 per cent), while Samson Muco was third with six votes (3 per cent).

The by-election was held to fill the youth MP seat left vacant after Venuste Icyitegetse resigned from Parliament on June 11, citing personal reasons. Icyitegetse had been elected in 2024 to represent youth in the Chamber of Deputies.

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Who is Ben Niyonshuti?

Niyonshuti, who will turn 27 in December, was born and raised in Nyarugenge District, Kigali. He holds a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and Local Governance from University of Kigali and works as Director of Governance, Strategy and Operations Excellence at GovernWell Rwanda.

His involvement in youth leadership dates back to 2017, when he began participating in youth structures at village level before taking on responsibilities at sector level.

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In a past interview with The New Times, he said his priorities as a youth MP include entrepreneurship, technology and artificial intelligence, modern agriculture and the green economy.

"My focus will be on listening to young people, representing them responsibly and contributing constructively to Rwanda’s continued development,” he said.