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According to National Electoral Commission, nine million people have already registered for this year’s presidential polls
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This is the second time the trio is competing for the seat, after the 2017 general election won by incumbent Kagame.
Image: HANDOUT
At least three candidates who will be squaring it out for Rwanda’s presidential seat in elections set for July have officially begun their campaigns.
President Paul Kagame of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) is set to face off with Frank Habineza of Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana who is the sole independent candidate.
The list of the three candidates was released by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) early this month.
This is the second time the trio is competing for the seat, after the 2017 general election won by incumbent Kagame.
According to NEC, nine million people have already registered for this year’s presidential polls which have been combined with those of members of parliament.
A total of 589 candidates are contesting for the 80 seats of the Lower House of Parliament.
Launching his campaign in Musanze District, Northern Province, Kagame pledged to promote inclusive development.
“There is no other path Rwanda will follow or that Rwandans will accept, if it doesn’t include the three pillars-unity, democracy and development. That is what we strive for, be it in the RPF, the parties in coalition with the RPF, and all Rwandans in general. That is what we want to achieve at the highest level possible,” he said.
He also thanked the electorates for putting their confidence in him in the previous election, noting that he will continue to lead the country on the path of socio-economic development if given the opportunity.
Meanwhile, launching his manifesto in Kirehe and Ngoma Districts, independent candidate Mpayimana promised to improve the country’s education sector.
“I encourage you to vote for my vision for a more sustainable and educated nation as we head to the polls,” he said.
On the other hand, Habineza who is running on Democratic Green Party of Rwanda ticket pledged to promote the welfare of Rwandans and fostering national development if elected.
The candidate also promised to scrap land tax and reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the current 18 per cent to 14 per cent.
The presidential and parliamentary elections campaign will go until July 13, a day before Rwandans in the diaspora cast their votes.
In Rwanda, eligible voters will head to polls on July 15.
More than 260 electoral observers have been accredited for this year’s elections, including 61 from international institutions.