First Woman To Be Elected Vice-Chairperson Of Rwanda’s Ruling Party Emerge

Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front elected its first woman vice-chairperson as President Paul Kagame retained the chairmanship position.

Consolee Uwimana was elected by 1,945 votes – about 93% of the votes cast.

Observers say bringing her to the high ranks is the party’s way of giving more power to women and keeping the ethnicity quota balanced in its top leadership.

Ms Uwimana is a veteran banker and businesswoman who served as a senator between 2003 and 2013.

Rwanda’s next general elections is scheduled for 2024.

President Kagame has been president of the East African nation since 2000. A controversial referendum in 2015 removed a two-term constitutional limit for presidents.

Rwanda is ranked highly among countries with a high number of women in parliament and the executive.