By John Ikani
Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), has made history by electing its first-ever female vice-chairperson.
Consolee Uwimana emerged victorious with an overwhelming 93% of the votes cast, amounting to 1,945 votes, while President Paul Kagame retained his position as the party’s chairman.
Observers suggest that the party’s decision to promote Ms. Uwimana is a deliberate effort to empower women and maintain a balanced ethnic representation in the party’s top leadership.
Ms. Uwimana is a highly accomplished businesswoman and veteran banker who previously served as a senator until 2019.
Rwanda’s next general elections are set to hold in 2024. President Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, retained his leadership of the ruling party by securing an overwhelming 99.8% of the total votes cast.
Rwanda has a commendable record of women’s representation in government and parliament, with one of the highest proportions of women in politics globally.
Consolee Uwimana’s election to the position of vice-chairperson is a significant step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country.
