Kagame re-elected RPF chairperson

President Paul Kagame was, yesterday, overwhelmingly re-elected the Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front, after garnering 1,948 votes from a possible 1,957, representing 99.5 per cent of the total votes cast. Kagame was nominated by MP Agnes Mukazibera.This was at the political organisation’s 12th national congress at Petit Stade Remera in Kigali. The congress brought together over three thousand members of the RPF Electoral College to review the party’s progress, agree on its future projects and elect a new team to constitute the National Executive Committee (NEC).His competitor for the top seat, Abdul Karim Harelimana, one of the MPs representing Rwanda at the East African Legislative Assembly, received only five votes.Another EALA member, Christophe Bazivamo, retained his position as the RPF Vice Chairperson, while Francois Ngarambe was re-elected Secretary General.Bazivamo stood unopposed and collected 1908 votes, representing 97 per cent of the vote, while Ngarambe, who stood against Pierre Claver Rwaka, got 1905 votes.NEC is made up of the chairman, vice chair, secretary general, 12 commissioners and five youth representatives.The following were elected commissioners: Tito Rutarema, James Musoni, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, Wellars Gasamagera, Marie Clare Mukasine, Robert Bayigamba, Speciose Mukandutiye, Abdul Karim Harelimana, Amb. Valentine Sendanyoye Rugwabiza, Dr. Joseph Karemera, Esperance Mwiza and Monique Mukaruliza.Wilson Wamara, Justine Mukobwa, Francine Uwamariya, Abdallah Utumatwishima and Aloys Nteziryayo, were elected youth representatives.Collective destinyAddressing the RPF Extraordinary Congress, Kagame, who received a thunderous applause upon his re-election, thanked party members for entrusting him to lead the party for yet another four years. He immediately challenged the party leadership to renew their commitment to serving the nation.“Our citizens have trusted us with the responsibility to lead; it’s our role to serve them. As RPF members and Rwandans we should never become complacent. As leaders, we must be defined by humility because it’s not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength,” he said.Kagame said RPF has firmly established itself, and called on party faithful and other political parties to work together to deliver the country to a desired destiny.“Rwanda as a nation has ambitions for a better future for all and we cannot afford to give up on our goals. The journey we are taking requires us to complement each other as RPF members and as Rwandans. We may have differences of opinion but we all work toward a common goal of developing our nation. The attempts to divide us will continue to fail because of the work we continue to do to build a unified nation,” he said.Earlier on, while opening the meeting, Kagame said RPF members should be leaders that put those they serve before their own needs: “We should have the same focus of improving the livelihood of all Rwandan citizens. The security, development we each want is what every Rwandan deserves. We have no room for selfishness,” Kagame told party faithful.He called for inclusive sustainable approach to transform the lives of Rwandans, saying every Rwandan should take part in the process.The RPF Chairman thanked party members for their hard work to drive the nation forward. He, however, urged them to aim higher for better and more sustainable results.“Our accomplishments should never make us complacent. We should think of what to do next or do what has not been done. This congress gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, where we are, where we are going and who we should be,” Kagame emphasised.He noted that Rwanda faced major challenges last year but due to the resilience and hard work of all Rwandans, leaders and RPF members, the country managed to overcome them.Kagame said applying Agaciro (dignity) in all aspects is critical for all Rwandans if they want to build a strong and prosperous country for future generations.The President talked about the Ndi Umunyarwanda campaign saying “it is not just about being Rwandan... it’s about asking ourselves what kind of Rwandan we want to be.”The RPF congress also attracted representatives from 10 other political parties in Rwanda and, as well as members of the Rwandan Diaspora who pledged to work together with RPF to develop the nation further.At the event, the RPF Secretary General presented the 2011/2013 progress report and 2011/2015 strategic plan.