Religious leaders commend elections

KIGALI - RELIGIOUS leaders have commended the way elections were carried out, and said it was what God intended for the country. Before elections, various religious denominations in the country dedicated prayers for peaceful Presidential elections.

Sunday, August 15, 2010
Bishop Emmanuel Kolini

KIGALI - RELIGIOUS leaders have commended the way elections were carried out, and said it was what God intended for the country.

Before elections, various religious denominations in the country dedicated prayers for peaceful Presidential elections.

Apostle Paul Gitwaza, the senior pastor of Zion Temple Church, said Christians were reminded of the country’s horrific past governments and compared them with the current government in order for them to decide the future of their country.

"This is what we all wanted; we had peaceful elections. We emphasized to believers that it is everyone’s right to vote and now we thank God because majority voted and they voted for vision. Voting wisely contributes a lot for our children,” said Gitwaza. 

He added: "We thank God for what happened; all we prayed for during elections, God answered.”

He commended the government for creating a peaceful country and for partnering in having a seven year term of peace and development.

The Anglican church Archbishop, Emmanuel Kolini, said that it’s God that appoints a leader.

"It’s only God that appoints a leader, but He does it through citizens, so if you are elected by them, you are also elected by God,” he said.

"Therefore, the president-elect was under God’s plan to still lead the country.”

The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheik Saleh Habimana, said the role of the Muslims was to call on fellow Muslims to elect wisely a president that has wisdom, who makes the right decisions.

"Our followers elected wisely and are very happy for the smooth running of the elections. This showed that Rwandans are very passionate about unity and making it a better country. There is no turning back,” the Mufti said.

Ends