The presidential elections are over and behind us, and Rwandans resoundingly returned to office the leader they admire, and with whom, they willing to invest their future for the next seven years. It is apparent that Rwandans, from the pattern of voting, trust that their current leadership is best positioned, and able to deliver public goods more than anybody else. The whole process was interesting and the fact that the distant first run up party PSD and specifically its candidate Dr. Jean Ntawukuriryayo has been reported as the originator of the wonderful health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Sante reveals something very positive, yet largely ignored by those who seek to comment about our politics. The fact that even the vanquished in the electoral process, are able to participate in the governance process, means that all political party manifestos at the end of the day, will be used for input in the process of implementing and delivering public policy and goods. Therefore, PSD and other parties that did not perform well, are guaranteed, one can argue, to have their agendas as espoused in their manifestos finding space at the table of policy implementers, since governance in Rwanda is a partnership of all the major political players. Many Rwandans are expectant that they will continue to get even better services as was promised to them in the campaign period. They gave confidence based on evidence of what they have already achieved with and from their leadership in the past sixteen years. And it is through sustained economic growth, access to education, health and employment opportunities that democratic gains are protected and even made better. Indeed, many societies, that do not have masses of unemployed, uneducated, ill fed youths and other citizens, have made tremendous progress democratically. By promoting all these life necessities, a nation is able to deepen its democracy and more so, a critical mass if citizens willing and able to hold their elected leaders to account, evolves. With all these, then other aspirations are realized and trivial ethnic differences can not be amplified by bigoted politicians, since peoples’ aspirations have little to do with their background. All this comes with a new outlook to life that is a result of such things as mass education. A people that have a global outlook, have no space and time for “clanism” and tribalism. They do not look out for those they share a common background with, but those who share a common future and aspirations. Therefore, Rwanda’s sustained economic growth and attendant benefits like education will be the bulwark against democratic reversals. And the leader that moves Rwanda from a third world country, to at least a middle income country, will have guaranteed a peaceful and stable country. And one can safely say Rwanda is on that path. It is imperative that all Rwandans identify with this struggle. The mainstream opposition parties have shown commitment in the past to work with the RPF in Rwanda’s development process. I tend to think that even those parties and individuals, who have chosen to play politics of the past, now on the fringes, can reevaluate their position and seek relevance with the Rwandan people, instead of making a career out of politics of badmouthing their country and serving to reinforcing unhelpful prejudices and stereotypes. It is evident, that Rwandans are willing and able to protect what they have achieved and even do more for themselves and future generations. The unity and determination to speak with one voice, as exhibited during the elections tells it all. Even those in the tiny fringe minority should learn from this experience if they have not by now. frank2kagabo@yahoo.com
