Kagame, Higiro hand in nomination papers

GASABO - President Paul Kagame yesterday formally submitted his documents, as required by Law, to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), as the flag bearer for the ruling Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) in the August 9, Presidential elections. Amid ululations from multitudes of supporters Kagame, flanked by the Party Secretary General, Francois Ngarambe, and Local Government Minister, James Musoni, arrived at the NEC head offices in Kimihurura at around 11am. Kagame, who was the first candidate to submit his documents, presented his National Identity Card, party endorsement certificate and other papers to the chairman of NEC, Prof. Chrysologue Karangwa , before addressing a news conference regarding his candidature. The incumbent said that he “feels greatly honoured” to have been chosen as the RPF Presidential candidate, and that he is looking forward to continue serving the Rwandan people, once he is entrusted with another term in office. “I have handed in everything that was required, so to speak, I am done with the formalities that come along with that process,” Kagame said. “I am looking forward to the times and the challenges ahead that relate to this process. But the RPF has a track record that I am looking forward to be building on in the future.” Kagame said that he has many priorities once voted into office for the second term, but the major focus will be on social economic transformation through fighting poverty. “We want to continue seeking solutions to the many challenges, especially the social and economic welfare or transformation of our country. This has mainly has to deal with poverty. “How do we really transform the lives of Rwandans? How do we make sure that all Rwandans are uplifted in their living standards---and are doing that, basing on themselves, their energy, their resilience and their efforts,” Kagame said. “We’ve made very good progress, but there’s a long way to go,” Kagame said. PL’s Higiro submits candidatureMeanwhile, Propser Higiro of the Liberal Party’s was the second candidate to submit his papers, yesterday. Higiro who was flanked by a number of party members including party president Protais Mitali, said that his party has matured and ready to fully participate in the democratic process. ‘I have submitted all my documents as required by the law. They will be scrutinized by NEC before considering my candidature, but I strongly have no doubt they will be considered,” Higiro said. “Our plans are clear--this is not a war. We are a party that has been around for 19 years. We have been working with Rwandans on development and that’s what our vision is. ” He said once elected, his focus will be promoting family planning to reduce the population growth rate which has a negative impact on socio-economic development. Other areas will be improved service delivery, accountability and equal participation, transparency in regulatory organs, bridging the import-export deficit as well as promoting public-private partnerships. Ends