Political party forum gets new leaders, nominates senators

The National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO) yesterday elected Christine Mukabunani (PS Imberakuri) as the new spokesperson, replacing Alvera Mukabaramba of Party for Progress and Concorde (PPC). Mukabunani polled 38 votes out of 40.Hamidou Omar of Ideal Democratic Party (PDI) was elected deputy spokesperson with 37 out of 40 votes. The two will constitute the forum’s bureau that is charged with the implementation of the decisions by the General Assembly.The two positions are filled on a rotational basis of six months’ term.Hamidou replaced Speciose Mukandutiye of Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).In her speech, Mukabunani said in their term, publicising the forum’s activities will be the priority. “We have noted that our activities are not publicised and this is why people mostly who are outside Rwanda see our activities in a negative sense…we will step up efforts to tell the public that our goal is to exchange ideas that contribute to the development of the country ,” She called on dissident political parties operating outside the country to join hands with the forum to share ideas for the development of the country. The Consultative Forum of Political Organisations was established in 1994. It is a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas among political organisations on the country’s problems and national policies.In a related development, Charles Uyisenga of Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Jeanne d’Arc Mukakalisa of the Centrist Democratic Party (PDC) were nominated to the senate subject to approval by the Supreme Court in 7 days.