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By Aisha Umukobwa-
Residents of the Gacaca Sector in Musanze District, Northern Province, voted on Saturday to choose local leaders at the village level, as elections took place across Rwanda.
An election commission representative from the sector praised residents for turning up in large numbers and on time, saying this showed how much they valued the vote.
“I commend you for coming out in such numbers and arriving on time. We urge you to elect capable and trustworthy leaders so we can keep developing our country. As you know, the nation starts at the village, which is why choosing those who will represent others at this level must be done carefully.”
Those elected will serve five-year terms, which can be renewed. Voters chose a five-member village executive committee: a village head and officers responsible for security, social welfare, information and training, and development.
Residents also elected representatives of villages to the cell councils.
Voters said they hoped those chosen would deliver real progress.
Eugenie Mukansanga, who voted for a village head who had previously held the post, said she trusted his judgment in resolving problems.
“Last time I had a problem, he guided me and sometimes even accompanied me and explained what I didn’t understand. It took a while, but it was resolved. So, I’m voting for him again because I’m confident he will serve others as well as he served me.”
Before posing for a group photo with Eugenie Mukankusi, executive secretary of Gasakuza Cell, the newly elected leaders pledged to work diligently and with integrity to improve residents’ welfare in their villages. They promised the executive secretary cooperation, unity, and resilience.
Remaining election calendar
On Oct 31, voting moves to the cell level, where residents will elect a representative to the sector council. They will also elect women councilors, who must make up 30% of the sector council, and two women candidates for the executive committees of women’s councils.
Cell-level voters will also elect the executive committees of national councils at that level, councilors representing special categories, and the cell council bureau.
On November 7, elections move to the sector level, with votes for councilors representing special categories, executive committees of the women’s, youth, and councils of people with disabilities; women councilors who will make up 30% of the sector council; and the sector council bureau.
Campaigning for candidates seeking seats on district councils also begins on November 7 and runs through November 21, giving would-be district leaders 15 days to make their case.
