Parliamentary Building

Rwanda National Parliament is the legislative arm of the government of Rwanda . It was set up after transition period, through elections made since 29 September to 2 October, 2003.

The results of the elections placed Rwanda at the top of the world ranking with women comprising 48.8% of the National Assembly. Women in Rwanda previously accounted for 25.7% of MPs.

The Rwanda Parliament has two chambers namely The Chamber of Deputies and that of the Senate. The new parliament hinged on an equal participation of men and women, both as voters and as candidates.

The Chamber of deputies is composed of by 80 members representing all sections of the population. (View list of parliamentarians). Rwanda ’s new Constitution has a quota of 24 seats reserved for women in the National Assembly. In addition, 15 women were elected to non-reserved seats, making a total of 39 women elected to the Lower House. The Chamber of Deputies plays the role of legislation and acting as the watchdog of the government.

After the 2008 parliamentary election, women now control the parliament after taking 44 out of 80 seats. Rwanda, whose post-genocide constitution ensures a 30% quota for female MPs, already held the record for the most women in parliament.

As for the Senate, the constitution quota of 30% was reached with 6 women elected out of 20 members. The number has increased to 8 women as 2 more Senators were recently appointed by his Excellence the President of the Republic as the Constitution stipulates.

To date, The Senate Chamber has 24 members made up of some of the most experienced and respected elders in different spheres. This chamber’s main mission include legislation, overseeing government action, electing and approving appointment of high public officials.