Rwanda: 27-Year-Old Wins Youth MP By-Election, Provisional Results Announced

In Rwanda, Ben Niyonshuti, a 27-year-old, has emerged as the leading candidate in the provisional results of a by-election for a youth representative in the Chamber of Deputies, following a vote held on Wednesday. These provisional results, announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), indicate that Niyonshuti secured 47 votes, representing 23.9 per cent of the total votes cast. The by-election saw 53 candidates vying for the seat, which became vacant after Venutse Icyitegetse resigned on June 11 for personal reasons. David Shema placed second with 20 votes, or 10.2 per cent, while other candidates received less than four per cent. The unique aspect of this election is that the voters were members of the executive committees of the National Youth Council at both district and national levels, rather than the general populace. The final results of this by-election are anticipated to be officially announced by September 9.