Legislators speed up business ahead of September elections

The plenary session of the lower Chamber of Deputies, which hitherto used to open in the afternoon, is now beginning at 9 am in a race against time to deal with unfinished business before the next parliamentary elections slated for mid September. The lawmakers Monday unanimously gave several bills the final nod after they were quickly reviewed and endorsed by relevant committees. Sources in parliament confirmed this saying it is a normal practice whenever legislators have a lot of work to wrap up. Augustin Habimana, Parliament’s Director of Communication, however, said no exact date has yet been fixed apart from September 14 when legislators are supposed to conclude business. Several bills such as; authorization on the ratification of the agreement of accession to the charter of the East African Development Bank (EADB), modifying the organic law on state finances and property, and governance of the burial, memorial sites and cemeteries of Genocide victims have been revised and given final approval. The draft legislation on the proper management of the country’s fisheries was also approved. Tuesday’s agenda in the plenary session included, among others; legislation on insurance, and a information and communications bill allowing the monitoring and interception of communication in the interest of national security. Ends

National

Legislators speed up business ahead of September elections