KAMONYI - The Social Democratic Party (PSD), presidential candidate, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo, has hit back at his critics, especially the foreign media, which plays down his presidential bid.

Ntawukuliryayo said that the PSD party has contributed to the achievements of the Rwandan community after the Genocide and is running for the presidency like any other political party according to the Rwandan constitution.

"…What is opposition and who can define opposition in Rwanda if not the Rwandans themselves? Rwandans know their country and the definition of democracy better,’’ Ntawukuliryayo said.

"We have been supportive of the government and that is why there has been success. Running for the presidency means we want to implement the PSD agenda which many Rwandans love and are aware of.”

Ntawukuliryayo was on Friday rallying residents of Rukoma Sector, Kamonyi District as part of his upcountry campaigns.

He was accompanied by his wife and top party officials and residents received him amidst chants, songs and cheers of hopeful victory.

Marc Rugenera, the first vice president also defended his party, recalling that PSD was formed to fight the then bad leadership.

"I am not amused by the foreign media…,” he said, "I would like to make it clear that PSD was formed as a result of the bad leadership shaped by the MRND, which later plunged the country into Genocide.

"Our goal was to restore the sense of democracy, and the bid for presidency is stipulated and part of our mandate, like any other political party,” said Rugenera, who is a politician-cum-businessman.

Asked on his chances of winning the presidential race, Dr. Ntawukuliryayo expressed confidence, adding that the campaign has been successful.

"Our campaign trail has been successful, and marked with peace and security. The campaign was not based on numbers of residents at the rallies, but at disseminating the PSD political agenda across the country. We are sure of winning these elections,” he said.

Ntawukuliryayo also spoke of the current situation of democracy in Rwanda, rebuking reports questioning the country’s democratic credentials.

"I am a democrat and Rwanda is a democratic country and her people are enjoying the fruits of democracy. Rwandans are interested in unity and reconciliation, development, and a good life for their children,” he said.

Ntawukuliryayo also reaffirmed his commitment to social and economic transformation, improving the justice and education sector, and the need for power sharing and dissemination of leadership roles at all levels.

"I will implement all that I have promised in less than two years, but most of all, I need the vote of all Rwandan,” Ntawukuliryayo said.

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