Kisoro Woman MP by-election set for Nov 14 as 10 show interest
by URN · The ObserverThe Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled November 14 as the date for the Kisoro Woman member of parliament by-election.
The seat became vacant following the death of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the state minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who passed away on September 7 due to a heart attack.
During a meeting held at Saza grounds in Kisoro municipality on Thursday, EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama announced the electoral timeline. The process will begin with the update of the national voters’ register, which is set to take place from September 27 to October 1.
Byabakama also stated that the deadline for voter registration and transfers within the district is Tuesday, October 1. The display of the voters’ register will then take place at all 322 polling stations in the district, from October 14 to 23. Recommendations for the removal or inclusion of names on the register by the parish tribunal will be reviewed from October 23 to 28. Nominations for candidates are scheduled for October 30 and 31.
Campaigning will be brief, running from November 1 to 12. Byabakama noted that, in addition to the parliamentary by-election, the commission will hold elections for councillors representing special interest groups on November 11. He called on all candidates to strictly adhere to electoral laws throughout the process.
Following Mateke's death, some political leaders in Kisoro, including Bukimbiri County MP Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu and Bufumbira North MP John Ninzeyimana Kamara, have backed her sister, Ruth Nyiraneza, as a potential successor.
As of now, over 10 candidates have expressed interest in the seat. Among them is Rose Kabagyenyi, who was defeated by Mateke in the 2021 general elections. Kabagyenyi has already picked up nomination forms from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.