Women make up more than 60 per cent of the candidates provisionally cleared to contest district council elections in Huye, placing the district among the areas where female participation is highest ahead of the 2026 polls.
An analysis of the National Electoral Commission’s provisional candidate list shows that Huye has 36 women among its 58 candidates, representing 62.1 per cent. Women also account for 29 of the 55 candidates in Gisagara and 24 of the 49 candidates in Musanze.
The pattern is not consistent across the country. In Rusizi, women account for 11 of the 26 candidates, while Nyamasheke and Ngororero each have 14 women candidates, out of 39 and 46 candidates respectively.
Nationally, women account for 555 of the 1,220 provisionally cleared candidates, or 45.5 per cent. Men make up the remaining 54.5 per cent, a difference of 110 candidates.
The provincial figures also show variation. The Southern Province has 355 candidates, including 176 women and 179 men, making it the closest to an equal split. The Eastern Province has 334 candidates, the Western Province 279 and the Northern Province 252.
At district level, Rwamagana has the largest candidate pool, with 62 people on the provisional list. Bugesera and Huye have 58 each, followed by Gakenke and Gicumbi with 56 apiece.
Rusizi has the smallest list, with 26 candidates, followed by Nyanza with 31, Rubavu with 35 and Nyagatare with 36.
The figures show differences in women’s participation across districts, but candidate numbers alone do not establish how many women will serve on the councils. That will depend on the election results and the candidates who ultimately secure seats.
