Rwandans across the country on exercised their constitutional right when they headed to their respective polling centers to cate their votes during the long-awaited presidential and parliamentary elections on Monday, July 15. Sports celebrities were among millions who participated in the polls, voting the president and parliamentarians of their choice. ALSO READ: Rwandans head to the polls: Five things to know Various athletes who spoke to Times Sport shared the importance of voting and what it means not only for them as citizens of Rwanda but also the country at large. I am very happy to be part of the 2024 elections, and I encourage the youth to participate. Elections are there for the changes that we want and the democracy we want for our country,” said Kepler basketball club and Rwanda forward Emile Galois Kazeneza. It was the 23-year-old’s first time participating in the polls where he voted from Gishali Sector in Rwamagana District. Charlotte Umugwaneza, the captain of the national women's basketball team, said “woke up early as every Rwandan” to participate in the elections. The 39-year-old center, who cast her vote from Niboye in Kicukiro District, City of Kigali, emphasized that she believes she voted for a leader who fits the needs of sportsmen and women across the country. Rwanda international Yves Kimenyi and Faustin Usengimana also joined Rwandans to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections. Kimenyi remains doubtful to start the new season with AS Kigali through injury but it didn’t stop him from casting his vote. The shot stopper urged fellow athletes to also come forward to fulfil their civic duty. Meanwhile, Usengimana voted from Bwiza Village, Rwampara Cell, Kigarama Sector in Kicukiro District. As young people we are proud to vote for leaders who will continue to develop the country, the defender said after voting. National women’s volleyball team captain Valentine Munezero, was also visibly excited, given the fact that she was among the first time voters during the 2024 elections. I feel this is one of the things that have made me happy in life,” the 24-year-old said. And the people with disabilities weren’t left behind. Meshack Rwampungu, the captain of the national wheelchair basketball team, voted from Kimironko I polling station in Gasabo District. Rwampungu said he ‘voted well’ and, as a person living with disability, he shared that he was facilitated to access the polling venue without any challenge. “I believe I voted well, choosing a person who will continue to lead us to good things so that the development continues, not leaving behind the persons living with disability,” he said.
