The list released yesterday in Kigali contains 521 candidates eligible to compete, among 539 who had presented their interests.
Among the 521 candidates, only four candidates are standing as independents including; Elissam Salim Ntibanyendera, Ally Hussein Sebagenzi, Philippe Mpayimana and Janvier Nsengiyumva while approved candidates from political parties–RPF Inkotanyi, Liberal Party (PL) and Social Democratic Party (PSD), are 302.
From the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), among the 34 candidates that expressed interest, two were not confirmed while of the 45 PS-Imberakuri submissions, nine were rejected. .
Of the aspiring youth representatives, six among 32 who presented their interests were not approved while all ten candidatures for persons with disabilities were successfully approved. For seats reserved for women in parliament, 179 candidates were approved.
According to NEC Chairperson, Prof. Kalisa Mbanda, this year, they received many candidates when compared to the 2013 Members of Parliamentarians’ elections.
In 2013, NEC received 441 candidates and approved 410, among them, 221 (50%) were women, while this year women are 326 (60%).
Campaigning activities are scheduled from August 13th to September 1st 2017.
Mbanda called on candidates to follow electoral code by avoiding defamation and divisive messages.
“This serves to remind them that they are Rwandans, their shared target is national building. Candidates are requested to campaign in peace. A candidate presents their manifesto, but, they should not criticize others’ campaigns,” he reminded candidates.
He reminded voters to follow electoral campaigns for them to identify candidates who they will vote for.
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