Political parties forum gets new leaders

The newly elected spokesperson of the National Forum for Political Organisation (NFPO), Thursday, has promised to uplift the profile of the forum. Christine Mukabunane, the head of PS Imberakuri, made the remarks after her election as the new spokesperson of the forum, the highest position in NFPO which rotates every six months. She replaced Veneranda Nyirahirwa from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) to a position she previously held in 2012Agnes Uwizeyimana, from the Party for Prgressand Concord (PPC), was elected as the new deputy Spokesperson. “I will join efforts with my colleagues to bring together politicians from Rwanda and the beyond to exchange ideas for further development,” Mukabunane said. Oswald Burasanzwe the Executive Secretary of NFPO explains the procedure of electing the new spokesperson for the forum. MP Jean-Baptiste Rucibigango, the president of the Rwanda Socialist Party (PSR), said there was need to develop English among members of political parties through the setting up of a language laboratory so that they can effectively do business in EAC. Mukabunane said English would be promoted. “We need to increase English books and also encourage the youth to read them. We have to motivate people to read, access the internet to get more knowledge, and enhance their language skills,” she said. Election results of the Spokesperson and the Vice spokesperson being tallied. NFPO 2016-2021 plan and budget NFPO also presented its proposed budget of Rwf4.8 billion that it expects to use for its five- year-programme (2016-2021). Activities to be focused on during the five-year programme include promoting unity and reconciliation, building capacities of its member parties and setting up a Rwf900 million office block for their headquarters. The Executive Secretary of NFPO, Oswald Burasanzwe, said the forum was working with various partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to mobilise funds to be able to meet its programme. Mukabunane speaks to press after being elected yesterday. (Photos by Doreen Umutesi) Meanwhile, the forum presented a report on the process and results of the local leaders’ elections that were held February. The forum, which deployed 100 observers, during the elections said the process was characterised by security, and transparency, and were well organised. However, it said there should be close collaboration between observers and the National Electoral Commission so as to work with more effectiveness. Established in 2003, NFPO is an umbrella of 11 political parties operating in Rwanda editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Political parties forum gets new leaders