I will accept poll outcome, says Ntawukuriryayo

KIGALI - The Social Democratic Party (PSD) presidential candidate, Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, yesterday joined the rest of Rwandans as they exercised their democratic right to choose the country’s next leader. Addressing reporters shortly after casting his ballot at Kimihurura polling station in Gasabo District, Dr Ntawukuriryayo announced that he would accept whatever comes out of the elections. “I have told you once and again that I am a democrat and I am ready to accept what comes out of this election,” he told local and international journalists at the scene.He was in the company of his wife. Ntawukuriryayo, who is also a vice speaker in the Lower Chamber of Parliament, said that what was important at such an occasion was the verdict of the people of Rwanda.He described the election as a monumental democratic feat. “This is a very big achievement for my country and I. This is what we have fought for all along and, as Rwandans, we have demonstrated democratic maturity,” he noted. He lambasted the western media for referring to him as a stooge of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), saying he is a man of integrity who wishes the best for his country. “I am not a stooge like most of the western press has branded me in the past; I am a Rwandan who loves his country and I am ready to develop it through peaceful means.” The presiding officer of Kimihurura polling station, Innocent Rwabusaza, said that the elections were calm and the turnout was high. At the polling station, 656 people were expected to vote in 17 polling rooms. While Rwandans at home voted today, the Diaspora cast their ballots on Sunday. 5,178,492 Rwandans registered to vote.The Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa, announced the Diaspora results late Monday night. According to the electoral code, provisional results will be announced within five days after closure of polls, while the final results shall be declared in a period not exceeding seven days from the announcement of provisional results. Ends