PRESIDENT Paul Kagame, in a news conference yesterday, promised Rwandans a ‘free and fair’ election.

The President’s comments come days after critics mostly those hostile to the country continue to misinform the international community with stories that have nothing to do with what is happening in the country.

Just like the president put it, some foreign interests have been working to dictate the political agenda, in an effort to influence the electoral choice of the Rwandan people, as we prepare for the August 9, Presidential elections.

Whereas outsiders have been peddling politics under the guise of human rights, in an independent and sovereign country, they need to understand that Rwanda places a high premium on universal values.

President Paul Kagame’s remarks also came on the day election campaigns kicked-off. There is usually an excitement which is associated with an elections period. Despite the fact that the Rwanda National Police has pledged security, country wide, during this period there are some forces, in and outside the country, who might want to take advantage of this historic moment to try to create stability.

The Rwandan people should trust the capacity and commitment of the National Police to guarantee a secure and peaceful environment during this election period, as reiterated by the Commissioner General of Police in his recent statement.

Just like the way Rwandans have the right to choose their own future, not dictated to by foreign forces, all citizens have the right to a peaceful electoral exercise.

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