Today, members of the Rwandan Diaspora will set the pace as the national referendum kicks off to decide the constitutional amendments. The two-day event that will culminate tomorrow with nationwide elections will be a litmus test on the people’s aspirations and what direction they want their country to take. By the end of the day, they will chart their country’s route; should they stick with a winning team and formula or should they sail in uncharted waters. Initial indications show that the whole exercise will be a wrap-up in favour of changing the constitution, a key article being that regarding presidential term limits. If more than 60 percent of the electorate signed petition in favour of the amendments the writing is on the wall; it will sail through. In fact, the latest opinion polls by the reputable pollster, Ipsos, there is no doubt that if President Paul Kagame stood again, he would clinch it by an overwhelming 92%. Whatever the outcome of the polls, the people will have spoken and they will have based their decisions on informed choices. They will have chosen continuity in the path of sustainable development, enhanced security justice and equity in all spheres. The will have given their vote of confidence to an efficiently-run government that has won accolades even beyond our borders. When official results are released over the weekend, the world should watch and listen attentively and learn that there is not better template, no arm-twisting or threats, can defeat the will of the people.
