Elections for local government structures and national councils are scheduled to take place nationwide, with those elected set to serve a five-year term. The electoral process will begin at the *umudugudu* (village) level on Saturday, October 24, 2026, followed by elections at the *akagari* (cell) level on October 31, 2026.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) states that elections at the village and cell levels are conducted through direct voting by all eligible citizens. Five individuals will be elected to the Village Executive Committee: the Village Head; the person in charge of social welfare and community affairs; the person in charge of security and the monitoring of movement (entry and exit) within the village; the person in charge of information and civic education; and the person in charge of development.
The NEC notes that there are legal requirements for anyone seeking election to an Executive Committee at the village or cell level. These requirements include being a person of integrity, being a Rwandan citizen, being at least 21 years of age, having completed at least six years of primary education, and either residing in or having established activities within the village or cell where one wishes to be elected.
For those elected to the National Youth Council, the age requirement is between 18 and 30. However, students are eligible from the age of 16, up to a maximum of 30.
At the Cell, Sector, and District Levels
Elections at the Cell level will take place on October 31, 2026.
At the Cell level, the following will be elected: female councilors (comprising at least 30% of the Cell Council); a councilor to represent the Cell in the Sector Council; two (2) female candidates to serve as female councilors (comprising at least 30% of the Sector Council); members of the Cell Council Bureau; and members of the Executive Committee for the National Youth Council at the Cell level.
Elections at the Sector level will be held on November 7, 2026.
At this level, the following will be elected: Executive Committees for the National Youth Council at the Sector level; female councilors (comprising at least 30% of the Sector Council); and members of the Sector Council Bureau. Meanwhile, district-level elections are scheduled to take place from November 14 to November 24, 2026.
On November 14, elections will be held for the Executive Committees of the National Councils at the district level, followed on November 17 by the election of five female councilors, representing 30% of the District Council’s membership.
On November 21, eight general councilors will be elected, and on November 24, elections will take place for the Bureau of the District Council as well as the District Executive Committee.
The latter consists of the District Mayor, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, and the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) confirms that election preparations are complete, while citizens express their readiness to select leaders who are well-suited for the role—prioritizing both their own interests and those of the nation.
The NEC anticipates that all positions will be filled no later than December 15, 2026, with the final report on the conduct of the elections to be published by December 30, 2026.