Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 229 KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: November 2009 Population: 11,777,000 (2013) GDP p.c. growth: 2.2% p.a. 1990–2013 UN HDI 2014: World ranking 151 Official languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English Time: GMT plus 2 hrs Currency: Rwandan franc (FRw) Geography Area: 26,338 sq km Coastline: None Capital: Kigali The Republic of Rwanda is a landlocked country that has borders with four countries: Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (clockwise from the north). Water covers 1,390 sq km of the country; the largest lakes include Bulera, Ihema, Kivu (straddling the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo), Mugesera and Muhazi, and there are many rivers. The country comprises five provinces. Constitution Status: Republic with executive President Legislature: Parliament of Rwanda Independence: 1 July 1962 The present constitution came into force in June 2003, with the principal aim of promoting national unity and protecting personal liberties and human rights. The executive President is the head of state and commander-inchief of the armed forces, and is elected by universal adult suffrage for a seven-year term; he or she may serve a maximum of two terms. The President nominates the Prime Minister and appoints the council of ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The bicameral legislature comprises the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The Chamber of Deputies has 80 members: 53 directly elected every five years by universal adult suffrage and 27 representing women (24 seats), youth (two) and disabled people (one). The Senate has 26 members, who serve for eight years: 12 represent the provincial government councils and two represent academic institutions. The other members are nominated, eight by the President and four by the Parties’ Forum. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court Ministry: Justice The constitution provides for an independent judiciary, comprising the Supreme Court, High Court and provincial, district and municipal tribunals. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal and the constitutional court. The president and vice-president of the Supreme Court are elected by the Senate. Gacaca courts were established exclusively to deal with crimes against humanity committed during 1990–94, in particular the genocide of 1994. These courts became operational in November 2002 and completed their work in June 2012. In these courts ordinary Rwandans judged their peers. Government and politics Last elections: 9 August 2010 (presidential), 16 September 2013 (parliamentary) Next elections: 2017 (presidential), 2018 (parliamentary) Head of state: President Paul Kagame Head of government: The President Ruling party: Rwandan Patriotic Front Women MPs: 64% In April 2000 President Pasteur Bizimungu was succeeded by Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) leader Paul Kagame. Following endorsement of a new constitution by referendum in May 2003, Kagame won the presidential election in August 2003, with 95 per cent of votes, and the RPF won the country’s first multiparty parliamentary elections in September 2003, with 40 of the 53 directly elected seats and 74 per cent of votes. The Social Rwanda
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