Districts Whose Mayors Resigned Now Handed To Women

Women mayors have been elected to take over four districts whose mayors resigned in the recently mass resignations.

By-elections were conducted Friday in different districts for mayors, vice mayors and district councils. These officials are elected by electoral collages composed of delegates from cell and sector levels.

Mukamasabo Appolonie was elected mayor of Nyamasheke district, western province. It is largely a rural region, which was recently in the news due to rebel attacks which have since seized.

Mukarutesi Vestine is the new mayor of Karongi district, bordering lake Kivu, and a one of the tourist destinations due to its lakeside views.

In Musanze district, Nuwumuremyi Jeanine is the new mayor – taking over one of the fastest developing towns due to its proximity to the Virunga National Park, the home for the famous gorillas.

Muhanga district’s new mayor is Kayitare Jacqueline, who incidentally replaces another woman. Most of Muhanga’s previous mayors have been women.

The elections are organized by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which has not said anything as to whether the all-women wins were by design.

As for the positions of vice mayors, whereby each district has two deputies, women also carried some of the positions.

However, despite the election of new women mayors, men remain the biggest number among the 27 district mayors.