Rwandans on Monday, July 15, headed to their respective polling stations across the country to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Celebrities in the country and in diaspora were among the voters.
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Some of them shared their sentiments with The New Times after casting their votes. Here is what they had to say on the kind of candidate they voted for and what it means for them.
Antoinette Uwamahoro (actress)
Uwamahoro is famous in Seburikoko TV series as Siperansiya.
The actress, who voted from Ruyenzi, Gihara, expressed her joy for living in a country where everyone is allowed to vote freely.
After casting her vote, Uwamahoro said, "I voted for someone who has given Rwandan women a say and who never ceases to think about his citizens. Such kind of leader should be the only one to lead the country.”
Rluta (singer/ songwriter)
Rluta voted from Kimihurura in Gasabo District. The exercise felt so special to her as a first time voter.
"I voted because I’ve been in Rwanda for 10 years now, this is my home. I exercised my right by of course making sure that we have a leader who has our best interests at heart,” she said.
Junior Giti (artists’ manager/ movie interpreter)
It was Junior Giti’s third time casting his vote and it’s a civic right that he always cherishes.
"[I am] the happiest voter alive! I was so eager and super excited. To me, voting means giving back to my candidate for what he has done so far, and creating a future that I may say I am proudly part of,” he told The New Times.
Umukondo Gatore (traditional dancer)
It is with great pride to play a role in building a good nation in the next five years, voting for a candidate that is worth being trusted for not just me but also for many Rwandans.
I voted for that candidate because his actions speak for him and the world has witnessed it and the best is yet to come as long as he leads us.
Aline Gahongayire (gospel musician)
Gahongayire voted from Paris, France, on July 14.
After casting her vote, the musician said she was feeling blessed to be a citizen in a country where everyone is allowed to exercise a right to vote.
"I was happy to vote for the best candidate as my president. When I look at myself and the life I am able to live, it is all thanks to him.
"It is even more thrilling when I see how other people get excited just to meet a Rwandan, that kind of respect and love we receive was not earned by anyone else rather than an impactful leader. I voted for him and I will always do.”
Nel Ngabo (musician)
Nel Ngabo is among artists residing in Karumuna neighborhood that president Kagame hosted at his home in Kibugabuga on Sunday, July 14, fulfilling the promised he made to musician Knowless during an RPF presidential rally in Bugesera District on July 6. He also gifted each of the artists a cow.
After casting his vote in Karumuna, the first time voter said, "It’s a privilege for me to be able to exercise my civic duty and vote for the best candidate so that we can keep up the good progress.”