Kigali

The recently concluded parliamentary elections handed women an overwhelming majority in Rwanda’s Parliament, with 51 out 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies – that is 64% - now occupied by women.Rwanda already led the world with the highest number of women in Parliament at 56% in the last parliamentary term (2008-2013). With an increase of 8%, Rwanda breaks its own world record.Announcing the results, the Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Professor Mbanda Kalisa said that among the 5,953,531 Rwandans eligible to vote, 5,881,874 which represents 98%, voted in this election.“Besides the 24 exclusive women seats which were decided in the September 17 indirect election, women also won 26 of the 53 seats in the direct elections held on September 16,” he said.