As Americans decide on who their next president for the next four years will be, The New Times’ Joseph Mudingu explores Rwandan’s attitudes towards the US elections.

Charles Munyaneza, Executive Secretary National Electoral Commission

As a Rwandan, I have not taken time to follow so closely and I wouldn’t mind much who wins the elections because this is an American issue that does not really concern me.

However, I was impressed by the campaigns which were very interesting because they gave us something to learn and I wish we would reach that level of American politics.

John Rutayisire, Executive Secretary Rwanda National Examination Council

In 2010, we will be having elections in Rwanda and I think that is something I will be glad to talk about when the time comes but as for the US elections, I am not ready to make any comment.

Anita Mutesi, Business Community

The race has really been interesting with all odds against Obama. He is an African American, black with Hussein as a middle name and no one expected in a million years that Americans would be voting him as their president. Today they are doing that and we are proud of him.

Callixte Kabera, Rector Rwanda Tourism University Council

I personally would like Obama to win the elections not only because he is black but he is most likely the one capable of reviving the US economy. According to the polls and the proceedings lately, I think he is likely to win.

Shema Katende Luyombya, owner Rwanda Dispatch

The next American president is thin, black and a Luo from the shores of Lake Victoria where I come from. This means a lot to the people in the East African Community to have produced the world’s No1 citizen.

Paul Ndungu,Manager Roasters popularly known as Executive Carwash

Obama is more of a brother to Kenyans and still to all Africans because he has roots there. He also has what it takes to become the first ever black American president. So, God help him.

It has become common for countries to moan over American presidential politics and criticise the gist of its campaigns. This time round, the elections have apparently been a pleasant surprise.

Like elsewhere in the East African region, Rwandans are watching the polls live. Roasters’ (Executive Carwash) management has put up a very wide screen and other screens to exclusively show the American polls.

Ends