The Ideal Democratic Party known for its french acronym PDI (Parti Démocrate Idéal) on Sunday, April 28, approved 70 candidates to vie for parliamentary elections, the first time the party is doing this after choosing to field parliamentary candidates as a single party as opposed to being part of a coalition led by the RPF.

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This was one of the resolutions that members of the party agreed on during their annual congress, in which over 500 representatives from across the country were briefed on the ongoing preparations ahead of elections, as well as other party initiatives.

Party president Mussa Fazil Harerimana took the platform to commend party members and founders, for their contribution, a cause he said propels PDI growth.

Since its inception in 1991, PDI originally Parti Démocrate Islamique, says it has grown leaps and bounds, a development Harelimana attributes to the eradication of any form of discrimination in the country, including on religious basis, and a way forward to building the nation together.

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Here are the key takeaways from the party’s congress as they prepare to challenge for parliamentary seats.

Party endorses Kagame in upcoming elections

The PDI party said on Sunday that it will officially endorse President Paul Kagame in the upcoming presidential elections, come July 2024.

The move, Harelimana pointed out, reaffirmed PDI’s support to Kagame "as our candidate”.

"We believe in the vision of our candidate and promise everlasting cooperation in the continuous development of our country.”

According to Harelimana, PDI has since 2003, committed to endorse Kagame whenever he runs for president.

Pressed for details, Harelimana said, our support to the country’s visionary leadership and political ambition is in the pursuit of the unity of Rwandans, protection of the country’s sovereignty, and development through consensual, inclusive democracy.

PDIs’ focus, Harelimana said, has since become promoting exemplary democracy, the nation’s best interests and working hand in hand with other political organisations on all strategic political platforms and decisions forming a unified voice towards the Rwandan populace.

Party leaves RPF coalition

For the first time since 2003, PDI will campaign for seats of members of parliament as a single party, as opposed to the previous arrangement of being represented under the coalition of parties under RPF-inkotanyi.

As far as political plurality is concerned, in the Chamber of Deputies, all political organisations are represented.

However, PDI has, up until this year’s elections, been under the RPF and coalition parties.

"We continue to grow as a party and our role in the rebuilding of this country also continues to expand,” explained party Secretary General Madina Ndangiza.

Ndangiza, herself a member of parliament and current deputy chairperson of the Committee on education, technology, culture and youth, said PDI has long been part of the process.

"We have been part of the process in the context of enacting key laws both organic and ordinary laws. We are therefore confident in our candidates.” she said.

Congress approves 70 candidates vying for seats

PDI party congress approved a list of 71 candidates who are vying for a seat as members of parliament particularly in the chamber of deputies.

As president of the party and MP, Harelimana urged the candidates to provide all necessary requirements that meet the eligibility criteria, before the list of candidates is submitted to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

NEC representatives were also present during the congress.

Big numbers among the youth

Harelimana said during the congress that it was an opportune moment to commend the "confident and ambitious” young people who continue to join forces with the over 33 year party.

The move, he stressed, reflects PDI’s growth and impact in the lives of ordinary young Rwandans.

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"Having young, learned and ambitious people join forces with the party is a huge milestone. We count on them to advance the party’s agenda.”

Massive turn out for the congress

PDI secretary general Ndangiza lauded the turn out from members of the party across the country, citing that the numbers signal PDI’s growth over the years.

"We are happy to see members from all the provinces, including Kigali, participate in this key congress. We expected 500 members but today’s numbers go beyond.”