Constitution of Rwanda

The Constitution of Rwanda was adopted by referendum on 26 May 2003, with about 93 percent voting in favor on an 87 percent turnout, replacing the 1991 constitution. It establishes a presidential system with separation of powers among three branches, a two chamber parliament, and an elected president under a multi-party system, and it renamed the country from the Rwandese Republic to the Republic of Rwanda. It reserves twenty four of the eighty seats in the lower house for women and contains provisions condemning genocide and barring political organization on an ethnic basis. A 2015 referendum, approved by about 98 percent of voters, allowed President Paul Kagame to seek a third term in 2017 and shortened future presidential terms from seven to five years effective 2024.