Parliamentary elections: Urban planner gives it second shot, says 'disability is not inability'

Justine Kayiraba, 46, the Director of Infrastructure in Nyarugenge District, City of Kigali, filed her candidature to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), on Friday, May 24, as she plans to later campaign for a seat to represent persons with disability in parliament. ALSO READ: Parliamentary election: Mukantwari, a primary school teacher on a mission to curtail family conflicts Kayiraba, a 46-year-old expert in land use management and urban development, became the sixth person with disability to submit candidature at NEC. She told The New Times: “I have the capacity to represent people with disabilities in the legislature. It is my second attempt in seeking a parliamentary seat. In 2013, I was not successful but I am not discouraged. I am contesting like anyone else is.” The mother of four said: “Knowing my capabilities, and knowing that to be a woman is not a barrier especially when you have a disability, I stood up to contest for a parliamentary seat. ALSO READ: Elections: Kananga keen on promoting inclusive education, well-being of persons with disability She said: “We are always competing, and it is a competitive space where everyone is able. I am still able. I am back now because the will still drives within. “For all these years, I was a little busy, and the reason for my comeback will be highlighted in the campaign period. A person's confidence ends when they die, I am still confident and I am ready for competition well knowing that wherever there is a contest there is always a winner.” On May 17, the National Electoral Commission begun receiving candidacies for the presidency and parliamentary seats for the July general elections. For the first time, elections for the President and lawmakers are set to be held on the same dates. The polling date for the President and 53 MPs elected from a final list of names of candidates proposed by political organisations, or for independent candidates, is July 15. The diaspora will vote on July 14. The deadline for submitting candidatures is May 30.

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Parliamentary elections: Urban planner gives it second shot, says 'disability is not inability'