Habineza concedes defeat, congratulates RPF

Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda has conceded defeat in Friday’s presidential polls. During a press briefing, Habineza congratulated the incumbent President Paul Kagame on winning the race.

Saturday, August 05, 2017
Green Party flag bearer Frank Habineza addresses journalists during yesterday's press conference. On the left is Green party Secretary General Jean Ntezimana while on the right is ....

Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda has conceded defeat in Friday’s presidential polls.

During a press briefing, Habineza congratulated the incumbent President Paul Kagame on winning the race.

The final provisional results show that Habineza won 0.47 % of the vote after 31,633 Rwandans voted for him.

Kagame won by 98.63 % (6,650,722 votes), followed by Phillippe Mpayimana 0.73% (49,117).

"We had high expectations We are not pleased with the outcomes but we congratulate the winner,” Habineza said yesterday.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winner Paul Kagame for the victory and we wish him all the best.”

Habineza noted that there is no doubt that the RPF candidate won and hopes that the winner will take into account the Green Party manifesto as he believes it contains elements that can help transform the country even more.

International and local media attend Habineza's press conference.

The Green Party candidate went on to thank his voters for believing in him.

"You have all given me more courage and confidence to continue a more democratic struggle for our beautiful country,” Habineza said.

"Our campaign was good, well organized and we invested our resources and energy as much as possible,” he added.

Habineza also thanked National Electoral Commission, the media, security organs and other government institutions for their role to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

He urged his supporters to remain calm, united and peaceful and move together as a nation. He also called on the Electoral Commission to rectify the obstacles they encountered during the campaign rallies, especially lack of cooperation from the local leaders. What next for Habineza?

Habineza admitted that last night he contemplated resigning as the Party president but the party asked him to stay on.

"I am not pleased by the outcomes but it’s our first election.  We believe that we will win the next election. We will shine more,” he said.