Men Dominate Rwanda’s Provincial Seats

 Rwanda has long had a reputation for holding one of the most gender balanced parliaments in Africa and indeed the world.

However, only four of the 12 successful candidates selected to represent its four provinces and City of Kigali in Rwanda’s third senate are women.

 The elections took place yesterday morning following two and a half months of campaigning. In total 58 candidates competed.

Rwanda's Senate is made up of 26 members - including the 12 members who represent the country's four provinces and the City of Kigali and are picked through electoral colleges - and eight senators appointed by the President of the Republic.

The Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission noted that there was good preparation and turn out for the vote. He was pleased with the ‘high level of competition’ and the ‘enthusiasm to vote.’