Today Rwandans head to polling stations with the simple choice of choosing ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the revised Constitution. The referendum on constitutional amendment, specifically on whether or not Article 101 that espouses the idea of presidential term limits should be amended, comes after a rigorous democratic process involving all stakeholders from the grassroots to the highest leadership office. First, the people cried out for all to hear. They petitioned Parliament to start the process that would eventually see nationwide public consultations, parliamentary debates and subsequent approval before the Cabinet asked the President to assent and call for the referendum. Yesterday, Rwandans in the Diaspora made their choices. Citizens of adult suffrage at home today make that important choice that will tell the world that when it comes to defining the future of the country and the leadership to entrust with such a future, no one but Rwandans will have the last word. This is the hallmark of a democratic choice, an inalienable right. No one but the citizen voter holds that key to determine their choice. Although Parliament has already approved several amendments to the Constitution, including on presidential term limits, the decision, just like the referendum vote today, has nothing to do with whether President Paul Kagame, for whom citizens petitioned to have Article 101 lifted to allow him run again come 2017 when his second term ends, will or not choose to run for re-election. The referendum vote can only position him toward a path of choosing to continue stewardship of the country that has shaped from the ashes of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to the current glitter that it is. While at it, it’s part of everyone’s civic responsibility to ensure the poll process is flawless. Do not just stop at casting your vote, but also help those who are not well informed to make their choice. Also help law enforcement check those trying to interfere with the process, if any, such as by way of misleading other voters. Go speak with your ballot. Every voice matters.
