KIGALI - The flag bearer of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, yesterday formally submitted his candidature in the Presidential race to the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The Presidential polls are slated for August 9.
Ntawukuriryayo, who is also the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, became the third candidate, after incumbent President Paul Kagame and the Liberal Party’s Prosper Higiro, to submit his candidature to the electoral body.

Accompanied by all party executives, Ntawukuriryayo arrived at the NEC head offices in Kimihurura at exactly 11am where he was received by the commission’s chairman Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa.

Addressing a news conference, Ntawukuriryayo said; "I thank party members who nominated me to be their flag bearer in the August elections. I will not disappoint them”.

Regarding his party manifesto, the Presidential aspirant said; "it’s not yet time to unveil our manifesto, if NEC officially approves me as a party candidate, I will immediately launch my agenda.’

In 2003 Presidential elections, both PSD and PL backed RPF’s candidate, President Kagame.

"Our party has matured and the entire nation has politically grown, this is why this time we decided to field a candidate for the forthcoming presidential polls,” said Ntawukuriryayo.

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