RPF, yesterday, announced that they have been impressed by the massive turnout at the campaign rallies and the support shown to its candidate, Paul Kagame, during the first week of campaigning.

During a press conference organised to share the outcomes of the first week of presidential campaigns, the RPF campaign team said that it is almost certain that the RPF candidate will win the August 9 polls with a resounding victory, based on the massive support Kagame has attracted in the 8 districts where he has, so far held rallies, and Kigali city, where he launched the campaigns.

"We would like to thank all Rwandans who have turned out in big numbers to show support to the RPF candidate. It is a clear sign that all Rwandans recognise the progress we have made in the last seven years under RPF rule,” the RPF Vice Chair and campaign coordinator Christophe Bazivamo told journalists.

"Rwandans have expressed this in their own words saying that there is no one that can lead the nation on this path that has already been established and it is almost certain that they will vote him again to consolidate on what we have already achieved,”

Bazivamo, who was flanked by Fidele Ndayisaba, the campaign manager, spokesperson Wellars Gasamagera and Commissioner Aloysia Inyumba revealed that, on average, the turnout has been over 100,000 supporters per rally.

He added that the massive presence at RPF rallies is not just about numbers but also enthusiastic people who recognise the achievements in the last term and are, therefore, willing to vote for the RPF, so that they continue on the clear path of development it has established.

Bazivamo noted that the RPF candidate has not only been canvassing for votes, but also outlining some of the key achievements in sectors such as health, education, security, agriculture, ICT, infrastructure, women and youth empowerment, adding that these achievements are visible and appreciated by the people.

The campaign manager, Fidele Ndayisaba, noted that the RPF is confident because of how the party has delivered on its promises.

"In the last seven years of RPF rule, a lot has been achieved and the masses have come to recognise the progress. Our candidate has become more popular over the years, there is no doubt, therefore, that another landslide win is possible,” Ndayisaba said.

Party officials also noted that people have realised that the RPF is a progressive party which walks the talk and the achievements are there to speak for themselves.

The officials downplayed concerns that the turnout does not reflect what finally happens on the secret ballot, arguing that there is a high level of satisfaction and appreciation among the masses, and that people have come up to express their satisfaction through personal testimonies.

"All the people who attend our rallies are RPF members; none of them is forced to attend. They come willingly and they have life stories to tell. All these achievements are there to see. Therefore, there is no reason to doubt the turnout,” Bazivamo noted.

Kagame will resume the campaign today, with rallies in Karongi and Rutsiro districts in the Western Province.

Ends