Niyonshuti Ben was provisionally elected Wednesday to represent youth in Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies, replacing Icyitegetse Vénuste, who resigned from the position.
Niyonshuti secured 47 votes out of 198 cast, representing 23.9%, according to provisional results announced by the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He was competing against 52 other candidates.
The election was held in Kigali and brought together members of the executive committees of the National Youth Council at the district and national levels.
Niyonshuti’s election comes as young Rwandans continue to identify unemployment and limited access to work experience as major challenges. Youth who spoke after the vote called on the incoming lawmaker to use his position to advocate for greater opportunities for young people.
Rwema Emmanuel said the youth representative should engage more closely with young people and help them understand the country’s development priorities.
“He should get closer to the youth and tell us where the country is heading so that we can also develop ourselves,” Rwema said.
Uwimana Aurelie, a resident of Kirehe District, said many young people struggle to access financing to start businesses. She also called for more internship and vocational training opportunities, particularly closer to where young people live.
She urged Niyonshuti, together with other lawmakers, to advocate for access to unused public land and other resources that could help young people create jobs and improve their livelihoods.
Niyonshuti is a self-employed entrepreneur and serves as a youth mobilization officer for volunteers in Nyarugenge District. He also oversees social welfare affairs in the Kigali City Youth Council.
Shema David, who came second, received 20 votes, or 10.2%.
NEC said the election was conducted peacefully and without incident. Final results are expected to be announced within seven days.
