PHOTOS: Green Party’s Habineza woos Kigali voters, promises to end land tax

Lawmaker Frank Habineza, the chairperson of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, on Saturday, June 22, launched his presidential electoral campaign in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District. Habineza launched his campaign with a manifesto aimed at enhancing the well-being of Rwandan citizens and fostering national development. Habineza emphasized that the manifesto, developed over two years of thorough research into the country's challenges, pledges actionable solutions to improve lives and further develop the nation. ALSO READ: Hundreds of candidates hit campaign trail as Rwanda gears up for general elections He announced a plan to eliminate the land tax, a promise carried over from the previous party manifesto. Although the full ending of land tax was not previously achieved, he said, his initiative to reduce land tax fees was adopted, laying the groundwork for complete removal. To combat food insecurity, he said, the party aims to ensure that every citizen has access to at least three meals daily by significantly investing in agriculture. For the justice sector, he proposes establishing a fund to compensate people acquitted after spending more than 30 days in jail and eliminating transit centers to streamline the legal process. The party manifesto also entails advocating for a UN-established “Special Fund for Genocide,” inspired by similar initiatives in countries like Israel. “This fund would be directed towards national development,” he said. As regards addressing youth unemployment, Habineza plans to establish agro-processing industries across various sectors, tailored to regional specialties, to create jobs and reduce the high unemployment rate among young people. Regarding fiscal policy, the party also proposes reducing VAT from 18 percent to 14 percent, encouraging voluntary compliance and easing the financial burden on citizens. Habineza believes these measures will be achievable, considering his party’s past successes. In the health sector, the party pledged to advocate for better conditions for health personnel and to implement a minimum wage to enhance their livelihoods. Under national security, Habineza aims to establish stable bilateral relations to prevent border conflicts and improve regional integration. Budget allocations for security technology advancements will support this, it was noted. “We seek your votes because we believe we can achieve these pledges, building on our past achievements,” Habineza stated. He also outlined plans to boost the sports and entertainment sectors, transforming them into sources of income for the youth, starting from the grassroots level. “With your support, we can address these and other issues not mentioned here. Vote for me and our MPs to eliminate injustice and drive progress, Habineza added. His supporters are ever more positive. Emmanuel Mwizerwa, a Green Party member, expressed optimism about his party's chances. He believes that there have been improvements that boost their chances of winning this time. Mwizerwa noted, “We are looking forward to winning the elections this time around. Despite not winning previously, our advocacy efforts continued, and 70 percent of our manifesto objectives have been achieved across various sectors.” Valentine Mukanyandwi, another party member, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the party's commitment to furthering the country’s development. “As the president and other members aspiring for seats in parliament mentioned, we aim to remove land taxes, implement minimum wages, and realize many more plans once elected,” she said. Political parties and independent candidates on Saturday started a three-week campaign trail ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections next month. The campaigns will conclude July 13, a day before Rwandans in the diaspora vote for the Head of State and 53 Members of Parliament elected from candidates proposed by political organisations and independent candidates. People in the country will vote on July 15. Habineza is contesting against incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling RPF-Inkotanyi, and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate. ALSO READ: A look at Rwanda's three presidential candidates Earlier in the day, miles away in Musanze District, Kagame, the Chairman and flagbearer of the governing RPF-Inkotanyi, also started canvassing for votes ahead of next month’s presidential and legislative elections. The RPF-led coalition launched its presidential campaign at the University of Rwanda’s campus in Busogo in Musanze, Northern Province. The coalition has 80 parliamentary candidates, the majority of whom are RPF members.

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PHOTOS: Green Party’s Habineza woos Kigali voters, promises to end land tax