RWAMAGANA - President Paul Kagame won the RPF primaries in the Eastern Province with an overwhelming majority yesterday.

All the 321 RPF representatives from the Eastern Province’s 7 districts, who gathered in Rwamagana, voted for the incumbent.

The 5 candidates, who had stood against Paul Kagame, withdrew their candidacy one by one.

François Nkurunziza one of those who withdrew their candidacy, caused a stir when he said that competing with someone with a strong history of success was practically impossible.

"I am a powerful man with great ideas, but to be sincere, Kagame is such a dynamic leader the people of Rwanda still need…I will however, battle for the seat after 7 years,” he said attracting deafening cheers.

Marie Grace Sandra Musabwasoni, an RPF delegate from Ngoma District, who represented the president, had earlier requested the delegates to vote for Paul Kagame as the party’s flag bearer.

Speaking like a poet, she said that the president had scored tremendous successes which Rwandans and foreigners admire.

"The candidate I am representing today is just unique; he has lifted this nation from ashes to prosperity. I call upon you to leave him at the helm of our party for the good of our party, country and the world,” she said.

Legislator Theoneste Safari commended the delegates’ discipline and political maturity which they exhibited during the RPF primaries. 

He said that the elections will be crowned on May 15 when the RPF Presidential candidate will be decided at the national level in Kigali.

"The calmness with which you have handled these elections shows how far Rwanda has gone in civic education. You should carry with you this political maturity in the coming elections,” he said.

The function was crowned by singing RPF patriotic songs that brought hundreds on the feet.

Ends