Scores of residents from the Eastern Province have called for the lifting of term limits to ensure the continued stewardship of President Paul Kagame beyond 2017.

The President, whose second term ends in 2017, is barred from standing again under the current constitution, which led to countrywide calls for the amendment of the constitution.

As part of the ongoing consultations by Members of Parliament concerning demands by a big section of the population for the amendment of the constitution, residents in various parts of the province premised their demand on the need to harness the gains made, and that President Kagame was best placed to do this.

Others said term limits were undemocratic because they deny them the right to choose a leader of their choice. 

"If the people want him to serve another term, why shouldn’t they be allowed to give him one? Such mentality also reflects lack of faith in the judgement of the people, which is undemocratic,” Claude Ndahayo, a resident of Muyumbu Sector in Rwamagana District, told the legislators.

"A head of state who has served his nation selflessly like President Kagame should be allowed in office as long as possible and as long as he keeps delivering. There is certainly much we still expect from him.”

Eric Ndushabandi, 49, from Kirehe Sector in Kirehe District, said time had come for Rwandans to fully take ownership of their destiny, adding that the fact that Rwandans find themselves having to explain to the world why they still need President Kagame is an indication they are still in bondage.

"The truth is there for all who genuinely care about Rwanda to see, yet we still find ourselves on the defensive; this must stop. Let us go through the process that is clearly provided for in the constitution to make the choice we want, period,” said Ndushabandi.

"I think our people should be entrusted with their own destiny. No one should claim to protect the Rwandan people by encouraging them to let go a president they so clearly still need and want,” he added, urging the MPs to expedite the process to ensure that the legal impediments are removed.

The legislators, after receiving written petitions of more than 3.7 million Rwandans resolved to make further consultations by engaging citizens from their respective sectors on the matter.

The consultations are likely to lead to a vote by members of both chambers of parliament on whether or not the country should go ahead with a referendum to vote on the constitutional amendment.Bugesera thankful

Meanwhile, residents of Gashora Sector in Bugesera District, said the government, under the stewardship of Kagame, had transformed the hitherto stricken district.

"If you trace the history of Bugesera, it will tell you volumes, we suffered a lot under all previous regimes. It was not until Kagame rose to power that we started living a meaningful life. Much has been said on development and now we are soon getting an airport,” said Joel Nahimana.

Jeanne d’Arc Uwimanimpaye, a deputy Speaker of Parliament, who led a team of MPs to Rwinkwavu Sector in Kayonza District, said the discussions showed democracy, noting that residents were fully active in all consultations that they have been to. editorial@newtimes.co.rw