Political parties assured support in September parliamentary elections

The National Consultative Forum for Political Organisations (NFPO) has pledged to support all political parties to ensure that they effectively take part in the fourthcoming parliamentary elections, slated for September this year.Anicet Kayigema, Executive Secretary of NFPO, told The New Times that the forum will give equal support to all political parties although they (political parties) might have different needs to effectively take part in the elections.“We want the parties to campaign effectively so as to reach the population as a way of giving Rwandans choice in electing those who can better represent their interests in the next parliament,” he said.Kayigema observed that unlike before when lack of funds hindered some political party members from carrying out their programmes during campaigns, NEPO has developed a strategy that will enable them in carrying out of the necessary activities.Among others, the forum will support in terms of data collection equipment such as laptops to be used in the elections as well as support in printing their manifesto to easily avail it to the public,” he said.In terms of financial support, the forum will handle issues related to conferences and programmes to enable political parties inform Rwandans of their agenda in working for the interest of the population.Not cash“Its not that we shall give cash to these political parties, but it will require them to bring evidence of the costs in the various activities they are involved in so that we can make payments directly to the service providers,” he said.He also pointed out that each political party is entitled to support worth Rwf 15 million from the forum annually. Currently, there are ten political parties which are registered.Meanwhile, all political parties have been urged to take part in the coming elections.Christine Mukabunani, the chairperson of PS Imberakuri, one of the opposition parties which confirmed to The New Times that it will front candidates in the coming parliamentary elections said the support will contribute to making the elections fair.