Liberal Party promises to promote trade

THE AMBIANCE was ceremonial as supporters of the Liberal Party (PL) descended on Huye District on Monday to woo local voters to support their candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Liberal party supporters at a previous campaign. The New Times/File

THE AMBIANCE was ceremonial as supporters of the Liberal Party (PL) descended on Huye District on Monday to woo local voters to support their candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections.‘Liberals’ waving the party’s flag chanted and danced during the campaign.The party has put forward a list of 64 candidates to contest in the elections that will see 53 lawmakers of 80 members elected through general elections.The elections are due to be held between September 16-18.Speaking at the rally, PL president Protais Mitali said his party will advocate for programmes that will stimulate and strengthen the socio-economic transformation of people’s lives.Particularly, Mitali said, special attention will be put on efforts to boost trade links between various parts of the country.Cross-border trade will also be strengthened, he said.Stimulating change "For that to be realised we will need to improve our infrastructure, including roads, water and electricity,” Mitali said, as he pledged to champion for the development of infrastructure.He also pledged to advocate for programmes that will stimulate a positive change within the community.Mitali also urged supporters to continue working hard to boost their production for consumption and a surplus for local and regional markets.PL also promised to push for Huye town’s redevelopment.Abdou Hakizimana, a supporter, called on candidates to honour their promises if they are elected to the parliament. He said: "Efforts should also be put in developing the education sector, emphasising family planning and ensuring that more residents have access to clean water as well as electricity, especially in rural areas.”Elections for the 53 openly contested parliamentary seats are scheduled for September 16, while those for representatives of the women (24 seats)  will be held on September 17 and for the youth (two seats) and the disabled (one) on September 18.Apart from PL, other parties in the race include the RPF-led coalition (which also comprises of the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), Parti Socialiste Rwandais (PSR), Parti du Progrès et la Concorde (PPC) and Centrist Democratic Party (PDC); PS-Imberakuri and the Social Democratic Party (PSD).Four independent candidates are also vying for the 53 openly contested seats, namely Venuste Bizirema, Léonille Mutuyimana, Gilbert Mwenedata and Clovis Ganza