RUBAVU - TWO candidates are in a tight race for the vacant Rubavu District, one of the worst performing districts in the Western Province

Martin Habimana, the current Executive Secretary of Rubavu Sector and Sheikh Hassan Bahame are neck-to-neck in the competition.

The seat fell vacant following the resignation in February of the former Mayor, Pierre Celestin Twagirayezu.

Habimana, 37,  told this newspaper that his vision is to transform Rubavu into the second best town in the country in terms of business, infrastructure and development.

"We have no development reputation here since in all government evaluations, we are blamed for not doing enough to develop the district,” he said.

He is praised by his supporters for being smart and experienced in local government as he speaks French, English, and Swahili which is spoken by many in the district that neighbours the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

However, his critics say he will cause frictions with vice mayors since he has a history of conflicts with them when he was the Director in charge of good governance at the district

Sheikh Bahame has been serving as the representative of the Islamic association in three districts. According to some, he has the most chances of landing the job.

"I shall do my best to ensure the poor have access to health care, work with others to implement governments programs, and put more efforts in reconciliation,” Bahame said.

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