RPF campaign sees record turnout in Nyagatare District

Thousands of supporters of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) turned out on Saturday in Rukomo Sector, Nyagatare District for what is arguably the biggest rally ever since the parliamentary campaigns were kicked off in the Eastern Province.Officials suggested that 15,000 people gathered for weekend’s rally, temporarily bringing business in the area to a standstill.The residents said they would be eager to elect RPF candidates.Marie Mukamana told The New Times that Rukomo registered high level of development under the RPF leadership.Mukamana, a retired teacher, promised that candidates on RPF-led coalition ticket would get overwhelming support from the area. “If we can be honest to the country and to ourselves, RPF has done great things for our communities. We were organised to access basic needs in a more sustainable way, hence improving our livelihood and lifestyle. We therefore have no doubt that more RPF members in Parliament will keep us along the path,” she said.Jean de Dieu Nsengiyumva, 18, said that the youth in the district were all behind the RPF candidates.“The majority of the people at the rally are youth...the reason is that they recognise the importance of RPF in their future. The youth’s future is bright under RPF,” he said. “For the first time in the country’s history, the youth are represented at all administrative levels...we can even talk to the President directly. So, you understand why for us our party is RPF.” Rallying voters, Connie Bwiza, one of the party nominees told residents that in casting their votes for the RPF coalition they would be making a choice for a better tomorrow.Bwiza outlined some of the success stories of RPF, emphasising that voting for the party meant continued development of the country.“We have been there for the people and we shall continue to be there for you. Vote for RPF and keep your country growing. Our history tells it all about us, it is however a long way that we must continue together,” she told the cheering crowd. GasaboMeanwhile, campaigning in Rusororo and Kabuga in Gasabo District last Friday, the District RPF chairman, Willy Ndizeye, addressed another equally big crowd of youth and middle aged voters.“Look at the record of each party, and determine for yourself where they can take the country then decide who you want to vote for. We are here to help achieve the overall goal of attaining the highest possible standards of health, construct for you more schools in Rusororo, bring clean water nearer, among others,” he told a cheering audience.He outlined some of the party’s achievements including ousting the genocidal regime, transforming the economy and ending the refugee crisis among other things. Speaking at a rally in Remera, RPF commissioner and Senator Jeanne d`Arc Gakuba particularly appealed to women to vote for RPF to sustain the gains in women empowerment drive.She added that the party had brought about unity and reconciliation, decentralisation where every citizen has got more say, good governance, ensured security and education for all as well as a comprehensive health plan where every Rwandan can easily access medical services. Zeno Mutimura, one of the party nominees, reminded voters of how the ruling party had transformed the country. “There had never been so many women in decision making positions, nor such things as universal education or comprehensive health plan before RPF entered Rwanda`s politics,” he said. RPF is running alongside four other parties for the September 18 poll.

National

RPF campaign sees record turnout in Nyagatare District