Parties hold first Presidential debate

KIGALI - Representatives of the four political parties vying for the presidency, were last evening in a live debate aired on Rwanda TV and several FM stations. Apart from defending their party policies, they were also subjected to questions from members of the press The one and half hour debate started at 7:30pm. They answered questions on various issue, including the treatment of Genocide survivors, teacher’s salaries, foreign relations and people empowerment initiatives. On behalf of RPF, James Musoni said that the party and its presidential aspirant, Paul Kagame, have an agenda to put emphasis on actions that implement development systems which empower people and consolidate the party’s achievements in the previous term. “We want to consolidate a development system that starts from the bottom and goes up, not the other way round. This way, we can have a self-sustaining economy and society which benefits farmers, teachers and all citizens,” Musoni said. Representing Prosper Higiro, the Liberal Party representative, Odette Nyiramirimo said that although PL stood behind RPF in 2003, the party had now come of age and boasts of competent people who can lead the country. “The Liberal Party has been influential in building the democratic process of this country. Our agenda is to single out and prioritize what is most important for the development of Rwanda,” Nyiramirimo stated. Juvenal Nkusi, representing the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and its presidential aspirant Jean Damascene Ntawakuriryayo,, said that his party president upheld the principle of working together to create development. “We do acknowledge the achievements brought about by the incumbent party, however, we will work together with other parties to close the gaps and expand the achievements. When voters vote for Ntawakuriryayo, they will have voted for democracy,” Nkusi debated. The Party for Prosperity and Concord (PPC) representative at the debates, Baudouin Muhayimana, said that presidential contestant Alvera Mukabaramba would promote vocational training schools that would enable the creation of more jobs and end job scarcity. Another debate is scheduled for Friday next week. Ends

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Parties hold first Presidential debate