Rwanda’s ruling party to launch presidential campaigns in northern province

KIGALI, Rwanda | Xinhua | Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), on Friday announced that their presidential candidate, incumbent President Paul Kagame, will commence his campaign in Musanze district, northern Province.

“RPF is ready to participate in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. Our party’s presidential candidate will launch his campaign in Musanze district on Saturday, June 22, 2024, before proceeding to other areas across the country,” said Wellars Gasamagera, the party’s secretary general, during a news conference on the RPF-Inkotanyi’s preparations for upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections campaign in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

He added that the party’s campaign trail will be a synchronized effort for both the presidential and parliamentary candidates. “Our RPF chairman and flag bearer for the presidential elections will share the party’s manifesto during the campaign,” Gasamagera said.

He said that campaign activities for the RPF presidential candidate will not take place in all districts because other national activities must continue.

“We believe that the campaigns should not disrupt the daily activities of the country. Everything must be done to continue providing services to the people and carrying out all the necessary work to rebuild the country. Activities must not stop,” Gasamagera added.

According to him, 19 campaign sites have been prepared where the presidential candidate will meet face-to-face with the population during the campaign trail.

Abdallah Utumatwishima, Rwandan minister of youth and arts who also serves as RPF-Inkotanyi’s commissioner in charge of political mass mobilization, elaborated on how party members contributed to preparing the party’s manifesto and nominating the flag bearer.

Utumatwishima pointed out that over 150 songs have been released promoting the RPF-Inkotanyi presidential candidate.

“These songs were created voluntarily by artists and non-artists alike, who gathered in their communities,” he said. “We will commence tomorrow in Busogo, Musanze district, where party supporters are expected to gather in large numbers.”

The Rwanda presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 14 for Rwandans living abroad, July 15 for those living in the country, and July 16, 2024, for representatives of special categories.

Three presidential candidates, incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate, have been approved to run for the country’s top post by the National Electoral Commission.

The commission also cleared over 500 parliamentary candidates to contest for 80 seats in the lower chamber of parliament.

According to the country’s electoral body, about 9.5 million Rwandans are eligible to vote in the presidential and parliamentary elections. ■