constituteproject.org PDF generated: 18 Apr 2016, 15:15   2.   3.   4.   5. eight (8) Senators appointed by the President of the Republic, who shall particulary consider the principle of national unity among Rwandans, the representation of historically marginalized communities and other national public interests; four (4) Senators designated by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations; one (1) lecturer or researcher from public Universities and Institutions of higher learning who has at least the rank of Associate Professor, elected by the academic and research staff of such institutions; one (1) lecturer or researcher from private Universities and Institutions of higher learning who has at least the rank of Associate Professor, elected by the academic and research staff of such institutions. Modalities for the election of Senators are determined by the Law relating to elections. The organs responsible for the nomination of Senators shall take into account national unity and equal representation of both sexes. Disputes relating to the application of this Article and Article 83 as amended shall be adjudicated by the Supreme Court in the first and last instance. • Eligibility for second chamber • Reference to science Article 83: Requirements for membership of the Senate Members of the Senate shall be citizens of impeccable character with experience who shall be elected or appointed objectively on the basis of individual merit without regard to political affiliation. They shall be highly skilled in one or more of the fields of science, law, economics, politics, sociology, culture or persons who have held senior positions in the public or private sector. The conditions to be fulfilled by candidates for the Senate shall be determined by the Law relating to elections. • Term length of second chamber • Term limits of second chamber Article 84 With the exception of former Heads of State who become members of the Senate in accordance with Article 82 of this Constitution, members of the Senate serve a term of eight years which is not renewable. • Second chamber selection Article 85: Approval of the list of candidates by the Supreme Court Modalities by which the Supreme Court approves the list of candidates to the position of Senators and their election shall be determined by the Law relating to elections. Senators appointed by the President of the Republic shall be nominated after the other Senators have been elected or designated by competent organs and their names shall not be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval. In the event that some of the candidates are not approved by the Supreme Court, the competent organs shall complete the list within seven days (7) from the date of its publication. Rwanda 2003 (rev. 2010) Page 25