Mukabalisa returns as Speaker as new parliament is sworn in

President Paul Kagame on Wednesday presided over the swearing in of the 80 members of the fourth parliament, who were elected at the beginning of this month, urging them to live up to their mandate of keeping government in check. The legislators were elected through both direct and indirect elections which took place from September 2 to 4.

After the swearing in ceremony held at Parliament in Kimihurura, the lawmakers elected the Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies, comprising the Speaker and two vice speakers.

Donatille Mukabalisa (Liberal Party), who had led the previous parliament, was reelected as Speaker and will be deputized by Edda Mukabagwiza, who was elected vice speaker for Legislative Affairs and Government Oversight.

Musa Fazil Harelimana who hails from Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) was elected vice speaker in charge of finance and administration, beating to the post Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.

Mukabalisa was unopposed and secured the mandate of all the 80 legislators during a secret vote, while Mukabagwiza, who represents RPF-Inkotanyi, contested with Jean Pierre Hindura of PSD.

During his speech, the Head of State urged the lawmakers to intensify their oversight function to ensure accountability for public resources.

“We expect you to hold government accountable for doing their job of serving citizens and delivering development,” the President said to the newly sworn-in legislators.

He added: “You interacted with citizens when you were asking for their votes. Now that you have been elected, remain close to citizens, serve them and deliver on the promises you made.”

The legislators are elected for a term of five years and the current house has representatives from all registered political organisations while others were drawn from special interest groups; women, the youth and people with disability.

This parliament also constitutes 61 per cent women.

UM– USEKE.RW