Minister Habimana says revised electoral law should not raise concerns

Kigali, Rwanda, March 26, 2026 - The Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana has stated that the ongoing revision of the electoral law should not cause public concern, describing it instead as a reform aimed at improving the country’s local electoral system. He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers were examining the draft Organic Law on elections article by article. The proposed changes include a shift in how district councilors are elected. Under the new framework, the eight general councilors at district level would be chosen indirectly by an electoral college composed of representatives elected from the cell level and representatives of different social categories at district level. Officials explained that the reform is intended to streamline representation following the reduction of district council seats to eight, requiring an adjusted selection process. Minister Habimana assured lawmakers that the changes remain within international legal standards and are consistent with Rwanda’s existing electoral practices. The Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission Oda Gasinzigwa said the reforms are part of efforts to improve electoral processes and strengthen democratic participation. She noted that the revised law is urgent, as it will be applied in local elections scheduled between October and November 2026, and urged Parliament to expedite its approval to allow adequate time for voter education. The Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission Jean Claude Musabyimana added that the changes aim to broaden participation in the electoral college, ensuring stronger representation of citizens in decision-making structures. Parliament’s Committee on Governance and Gender Equality confirmed that it will carefully review the draft law before forwarding it to the full Chamber of Deputies and subsequently to the Senate for further consideration.

Faits rapportés

Kigali, Rwanda, March 26, 2026 - The Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana has stated that the ongoing revision of the electoral law should not cause public concern, describing it instead as a reform aimed at improving the country’s local electoral system. He made the remarks while appearing before the Chamber of Deputies, where lawmakers were examining the draft Organic Law on elections article by article. The proposed changes include a shift in how district councilors are elected. Under the new framework, the eight general councilors at district level would be chosen indirectly by an electoral college composed of representatives elected from the cell level and representatives of different social categories at district level. Officials explained that the reform is intended to streamline representation following the reduction of district council seats to eight, requiring an adjusted selection process. Minister Habimana assured lawmakers that the changes remain within international legal standards and are consistent with Rwanda’s existing electoral practices. The Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission Oda Gasinzigwa said the reforms are part of efforts to improve electoral processes and strengthen democratic participation. She noted that the revised law is urgent, as it will be applied in local elections scheduled between October and November 2026, and urged Parliament to expedite its approval to allow adequate time for voter education. The Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission Jean Claude Musabyimana added that the changes aim to broaden participation in the electoral college, ensuring stronger representation of citizens in decision-making structures. Parliament’s Committee on Governance and Gender Equality confirmed that it will carefully review the draft law before forwarding it to the full Chamber of Deputies and subsequently to the Senate for further consideration.