BY DANIEL SABIITI SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA: Samuel Ngirinshuti has been elected the new mayor of Muhanga District, replacing Augustin Hategeka, who resigned in April. Ngirinshuti, 38, polled 215 votes to beat Innocent Nzabamwita who garnered 48 votes in a two-man race in Tuesday’s elections held at Gahogo Stadium. Ngirinshuti’s triumph is a landside victory, representing 85 per cent of the 308 voters who participated in the poll organized by the National Electoral Commission. There were 4 invalid votes. Governor Fidel Ndayisaba and former mayor Hategeka were among the observers. Francis Xavier Mbabazi was also elected Chairman of the District Council. He replaces Jean Bosco Ruzigamanzi who also resigned in April a few days after Hategeka had done so. In his maiden speech, Ngirinshuti promised to work hard with district officials and residents to combat the problems facing the area. Governor Ndayisaba hailed the election as a sign of democracy and reminded officials that Muhanga has was a potential area for development if they worked hard and kept promises.
