The only woman among the four independent candidates in the ongoing campaigns for the forthcoming parliamentary elections has said that, once elected, she will focus on promoting family values, since these are very important in the social fabric of the country.
The only woman among the four independent candidates in the ongoing campaigns for the forthcoming parliamentary elections has said that, once elected, she will focus on promoting family values, since these are very important in the social fabric of the country.Leonille Mutuyimana is among the candidates contesting for the 53 seats that will be won through universal adult suffrage come September 16.Once elected a lawmaker, Mutuyimana told The New Times she would do everything in her power to ensure Rwandan couples live in harmonious relationships which she said make a solid foundation for the nation."I believe we need good happy families and believe that God will help me in this endeavor. The divorces that we all see are avoidable. I will, among others, advise families,” she said adding that she will also be a voice of the voiceless such as orphans and the poor women, especially vendors on the streets. "All these need extra attention as we plan for development,” she said. Being a gospel musician, Mutuyimana says she understands the problems local artistes face and is "focused on protecting their copyrights.”Mutuyimana will kick-start her campaigns, next Monday, in the Rwamagana District, Eastern Province’s. She will then proceed to Kirehe, Nyagatare, and Gatsibo districts, all in a one day. That, she says, will help her "to save time” and she will let her representatives in the districts to carry on with campaigns as she continues traversing the country.After the Eastern Province, Mutuyimana will on Tuesday, continue with Gicumbi, then Burera, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Ngororero, Gakenke and Rulindo districts.The 28-year-old mother of one is a lawyer by profession. After graduating from the Kigali Independent University (ULK) in 2010, she enrolled for a nine-month leadership course at the Rwanda Youth for Christ (R.Y.F.C) centre in Kibagabaga, in Kigali, until 2011. Other independent candidates are Venuste Bizirema, Gilbert Mwenedata, and Clovis Ganza.If they are to join the country’s next Chamber of Deputies, Mutuyimana and the other contestors, including political parties, each requires a minimum of five per cent of the total votes.