KIGALI - THE Secretary General of Social Democratic Party (PSD) who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, was, yesterday, elected as his party’s candidate in the forthcoming Presidential elections, slated for August 9.

In an exciting day-long function, about 700 party delegates converged at Rainbow Hotel in Kicukiro for PSD’s Fourth National Congress where they unanimously endorsed Ntawukuriryayo.

In his acceptance speech, Ntawukuriryayo passionately thanked PSD party members for their confidence in him.
"We have what it takes, and I am confident we will win the elections,” he said.

He emphasised the need to maintain unity and reconciliation among the Rwandan people, solidarity and national development, as well as the fight against the Genocide ideology.

"We will campaign as democrats…democrats work for the people and the nation and are patriots. Our campaign will not inconvenience any of the other candidates that will be in the field,” he said.

Addressing the press after the function, Ntawukuriryayo said PSD’s move to field a candidate demonstrates how democracy has matured in the country.

"I call upon all Rwandans to join hands in maintaining our national sovereignty and security, unity and reconciliation, control of population growth, fighting the Genocide ideology as well as corruption and impunity,” said Ntawukuriryayo.  
"I am confident Rwandans will vote for me and my party will win,” he said.

He added that members of his party have the moral responsibility to each other, as stated in the party slogan.
Ntawukuriryayo reiterated that his party has no intentions of withdrawing from the presidential race or endorsing any other candidate.

"We will be in the race to compete for a good cause, not to withdraw; we will table our manifesto before Rwandans,” he said.

Meanwhile, the party elected a new Executive Committee with Senate president, Dr. Vincent Biruta re-elected chairman.

Marc Rugenera was also re-elected for a second term as the first vice president, while Jacqueline Mukakanyamugengeri was elected the second vice president.

Ntawukuriryayo retained his post as the Secretary General. Aurerie Gahongayire and Theodomir Niyonsenga were elected first and second deputy Secretary General respectively.

Penelope Kantarama was re-elected as the General Treasurer. 

Representatives from other political parties as well as the Forum for Political Parties (FFPP) were also invited to the PSD congress.

They included Protais Mitali, the chairman of the Liberal Party (PL), Aloisea Inyumba, who represented the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), as well as Anicet Kayigema, the Executive Secretary of FFPP.

Ends