RPF party primaries start at grass-roots levels

GICUMBI — Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) members in Byumba Sector, Gicumbi district on Saturday endorsed President Paul Kagame as their favorite party flag bearer in the August presidential elections. During the village level party primaries, the party faithful lined up behind their village [Mudugudu] heads, representing President Kagame at various election sites visited by The New Times. “President Paul Kagame should be our sole candidate for the August elections because he has spearheaded unity of Rwandans, repatriated Rwandan refugees, revived the economy and introduced a perfect justice system in Rwanda among others,” said Leonidas Muvuzankwaya, one of the voters in Gisuna village. At Gacurabwenge village, the party members also unanimously endorsed Kagame as their sole candidate. “He has ushered in security, fought to eradicate corruption and introduced universal free primary education for Rwandan children, which is the reason he should be given another chance to lead this country,” said one Anastase Nkubana. A total of 120 party members voted at Gacurabwenge village, while 82 members voted at Gisuna village. Earlier, the Gicumbi district party chairman, Bonane Nyangezi explained that the party flag bearer for presidential elections would be elected from village levels. “Two candidates shall be nominated at village level. They have to be persons with integrity and ready to adhere to RPF political manifesto,” Nyangezi, who is also the district Mayor, told party members. He added that the elections at the village levels shall be followed by elections at sector, district, province, and eventually at the national level. Similar elections were conducted in different other parts of the country. Ends