RPF endorses Kagame as its flag bearer in July poll
The ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front Saturday chose incumbent President Paul Kagame as its candidate in the presidential election scheduled in July. Kagame was elected with 99.1% out of nearly 2000 voters during the party’s congress in the capital Kigali.
Kagame thanked the party leadership for their contribution to building the country and the continued trust in him.
Stressing the importance of collaboration in service delivery, he urged leaders to embrace working together.
Kagame noted that leadership is not only about those who occupy high positions, but “all levels of institutions collaborating to serve the interests of the people.”
He, however, challenged the party to consider grooming their next leader.
He said that in 2010 and 2017 when he was entrusted with party leadership, he asked the party to start searching for the next party leaders from among themselves.
Kagame said he believes there must be someone else among the party leaders who should be able propel the party’s and national leadership forward.
He ruled out the thought of him choosing his successor.
During the same congress, the party also unveiled a list of its 70 parliamentary candidates as well as its manifesto for the next five years once it wins the elections.
“In the next five years, we shall build on what we have achieved so far towards our national Vision 2050 that aims at achieving sustainable development and better quality of life for every Rwandan,” Wellars Gasamagera, the party’s Secretary General said.
He added that the party leadership will also put much emphasis on continued improvement of road and air transportation with focus on green transport.
Gasamagera said in the past seven year-term, despite the Covid-19 pandemic the party managed to deliver on most of the promises made to Rwandans especially in the areas of economic development and social welfare.
Saturday’s congress followed countrywide party primaries which were conducted in February.
Nominations for President and Members of Parliament will be held from May 17-30, according to the National Electoral Commission.
Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on July 15.
