PL concedes defeat

KIGALI - The Liberal Party (PL) presidential candidate, Prosper Higiro, has conceded defeat following the release of Monday’s provisional election results yesterday, in which he received only 1.37 percent of the votes cast. The poll handed victory to Rwanda Patriotic Front’s (RPF) candidate Paul Kagame, who garnered a staggering 93.08 percent. Higiro came third behind Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo of Social Democratic Party, who polled 5.15 percent, but ahead of the Party of Progress and Concord’s Dr Alvera Mukabaramba, who could only manage 0.4 percent of the total votes. He commended the National Electoral Commission, security organs, and the general public authorities for what he called a “peaceful, free and fair election”. “I want to inform you that I accept the election results,” Higiro said while addressing the press at PL headquarters in Kigali yesterday. He congratulated President Paul Kagame and the RPF upon their victory and promised continued contribution towards the development of the country and wellbeing of Rwandans. He thanked PL and its supporters for standing by his side throughout the campaign period. “This was the first time PL contested for the presidency. Though we did not achieve what we wanted, we learnt lessons in these elections which will help us in the in future, he said. Higiro further commended the media for its fair reporting during the campaign season. “The step Rwanda has reached in democracy is impressive and Rwandans should continue supporting this democratic process,” he added. PL president, Protais Mitali, also paid tribute to NEC and security organs for a job well done, and extended his appreciation to party members and other Rwandans for not indulging in any violent activities throughout the campaigns and on polling day. “Both the candidates and their supporters held the nation above any other considerations. Only one person was expected to win to lead this country for the next seven years; that is democracy. The whole process was conducted within the legal framework, and we congratulate the winner,” he said. Higiro appealed to PL supporters to accept the results and to join hands with other Rwandans in building the nation.Both Dr Ntawukuriryayo and Dr Mukabaramba have also conceded defeat and pledged their continued service to the country. In his acceptance speech shortly after the release of partial provisional results on Monday night, Kagame said his victory was for the whole nation. Ends