Senate hopefuls briefed on polls

The National Electoral Commission (NEC), yesterday, met with senate candidates and briefed them on various issues concerning how the campaigns and elections will be carried out. The campaigns are slated to run from September 6 – 25, with the elections slated for 26 and 27 of the same month. During the meeting held at NEC offices, the Chairman, Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa told the candidates to adhere to the electoral laws during the campaigns, which he said would pave way for a free and fair electoral process. 62 candidates were cleared by the Supreme Court to contest for the various seats that include the provinces and Kigali City and representatives of institutions of higher learning. “We have put in place all necessary strategies and mechanisms to ensure that all candidates have equal rights during the campaign and elections, but I also advise you to exhibit discipline during and after the elections,” Prof. Karangwa said. He said that during the campaign period, NEC would provide each candidate with ten minutes of campaign time before the electoral colleges and universities. Karangwa asked them to report any irregularities which will be registered during the campaigns and election period. Prof. Kananga Simba Ntale, a candidate contesting on a public universities’ ticket, said that this year’s elections will be exciting, adding that the commission had organised it well. The public and private institutions of higher learning will each be represented by one Senator. Kananga, who is a lecturer at Kigali Health Institute in the department of mental health said; “I am looking forward to winning the election.” One of the female candidates, Verene Mukampabuka, from the Eastern Province said she was glad the polls are being held on a gender sensitive platform. “I thank the government for promoting gender equality among Rwandans. Nowadays women can compete with men at all levels of leadership,” Mukampabuka said. The Acting Director General ORINFOR, Willy Rukundo informed the candidates that they would be receive equal airtime on both the public radio and television. Among the shortlisted candidates are two former ministers; Laurent Nkusi of Information and Evariste Bizimana of Infrastructure. Nkusi is the sole candidate on the ticket of private universities while Bizimana is among the contestants from the Northern Province. Other notable candidates include the former Vice Mayor of Kigali City, Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba and the former head of inspectorate of schools in the Ministry of Education, Narcisse Musabeyezu, among others. Ends