The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced November 14 as the date for the Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament by-election, following the death of Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the state minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, who passed away from a heart attack on September 7.

EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama outlined the electoral timeline at a meeting in Kisoro on Thursday, with the process kicking off on September 27 with the update of the national voters’ register. Nominations for candidates will take place on October 30 and 31, and campaigns will run from November 1 to 12. In addition to the by-election, councillor elections for special interest groups are set for November 11.

Political figures, including Bukimbiri MP Eddie Kwizera and Bufumbira North MP John Kamara, are backing Ruth Nyiraneza, Mateke’s sister, as a potential successor. Meanwhile, over 10 candidates have shown interest, with Rose Kabagyenyi, who lost to Mateke in 2021, already seeking the NRM nomination.