Rwanda’s democratic credentials have always come under attack because it does not follow a certain template. It chose to design its own route, one that would help it chart its way through the myriad of problems she was facing. Copy and pasting other people’s versions of democratic principles would not work for it. It had to choose a system that would help reunite the country, but first and foremost, the people would have to have a say. And in order to avoid a winner-takes-all electoral system, checks and balances in the form of power-sharing were put in place. The triumphant political grouping could not occupy the seat of president of the Senate, it was reserved for the opposition. The Speaker of the lower house of Parliament is also from a different political family. This week’s Cabinet reshuffle reflected that same principle with many political groups included on the roster. That also goes for all other government postings such as parastatals and diplomatic missions and the civil service. That kind of power-sharing that also entails gender balance will never be found any of the famous “democratic” ideals; the winner takes all power and throws crumbs to the opponents – if they are lucky. Rwanda is well-known for its female-dominated parliament, now that achievement has also been replicated in the new Cabinet where females have a slight edge over their male counterparts. One thing is for sure, Rwanda’s path is working for it and its people, the government is lean and efficient and life goes on. What else could work better than what Rwanda currently has? It is a debate that many of those who physically witnessed the transformation of this country would gladly debate.
