Fatshimetrie: a look at the opening of the electoral campaign in Rwanda
The Rwandan political scene is coming to life with the opening of the electoral campaign this Saturday, June 22, in anticipation of the presidential and legislative polls which will be held on July 15. A crucial step for the nation, marked by the candidacy of the current president, Paul Kagame, for a fourth term.
The launch of the electoral campaign kicked off three weeks of intense political activity in the country. The three presidential candidates have started their campaigns, with Paul Kagame inaugurating the festivities in Musanze, a town in northern Rwanda. Meetings planned almost daily, led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front, the presidential party in place for many years.
In addition to the outgoing president, two other candidates have entered the presidential race. Frank Habineza, founding MP of the Democratic Green Party, is trying to stand out as the only significant opposition voice in the country. For his part, Philippe Mpayimana, an employee of the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, seeks to make his voice heard from the district of Kirehe, in the far southeast of Rwanda.
A striking element of this campaign is the electoral poster, identical to that used during the previous presidential election in 2017. However, something new has been added this year: the legislative elections are being held simultaneously with the presidential elections, with nearly 600 candidates in vying for the 80 seats of deputies in the Rwandan Parliament. This convergence of the two ballots reinforces the democratic stakes of these elections and offers a diversity of choices to voters.
This electoral period promises lively debates, confrontations of ideas and major issues for the future of Rwanda. Voters will have the heavy responsibility of choosing the destiny of their country for the years to come. National and international observers will closely monitor the progress of the electoral process, guaranteeing stability and democracy in Rwanda.
Ultimately, this presidential and legislative election marks a crucial stage in the political history of Rwanda. Citizens are called upon to make their voices heard and actively participate in this democratic moment which is essential for the future of the country. The coming weeks will be full of twists and turns and debates, offering Rwandans the opportunity to shape their democratic future in a proactive and informed manner.