RWAMAGANA-Senator Prosper Higiro, the Liberal Party presidential candidate in the August 9 presidential poll, yesterday paid tribute to party supporters in the Eastern Province for their role in the campaigns.

Addressing a crowd of supporters in Rwamagana, Higiro said that their support before and during the presidential campaign cannot be overemphasized.

"I was greatly humbled by your support and the political maturity you exhibited in the just concluded presidential elections,” he said.

"PL has many supporters across the country. All we need is to set up strong structures across the country. Our party will continue to strengthen the democratic line Rwanda is following.”

He noted that the party’s failure to win the highest office in the country should not discourage anyone, adding that even though PL vied for the post for the first time in its history it showed popularity cross the country.

Higiro also called upon party members to embrace the recently launched East African Common market.

"Whatever hurdles we encounter, we cannot remain isolated but join regional states in building our nations. Common market is about that,” he noted.

MP Charles Kamanda, the party chairman in Eastern Province reiterated the importance of the EAC market, saying that Rwandans will benefit from the resulting competition.

"You must expect stiff competition but remember competition is healthy.
Free movement of goods will compel lazy workers to perform, and producers to go for quality,” he said.

MP Claudette Muhimpundu, a staunch PL supporter took the opportunity to sensitize party members to work hard for self development.

She said they can achieve it only when they start producing the few children that they can afford to raise.

"You must put aside all traditional and religious beliefs that stop you from embracing family planning. This is the only way when you shall develop,” she said.

The one-day meet attracted PL supporters from all districts and sectors of the province.

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