Rwandans have taken a giant step in democracy - Higiro

HUYE - On the final day of the 2010 Presidential campaigns, Liberal Party Presidential contender, Prosper Higiro, yesterday said that the campaign trail has revealed that Rwandans have taken a giant step in embracing democracy. Addressing over a thousand party supporters at Huye stadium, Higiro said that the Liberal Party takes pride in this achievement because the Party has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the democratisation process in the Country. “In all the districts that we went to campaign, we were well received by jubilant supporters. This is testimony that they are happy with the process,” he said. Higiro, who was in a buoyant mood, heaped praise on the local authorities who ensured that campaigns were peaceful. “Bringing together hundreds of people during rallies and all activities are held peacefully is a big lesson learnt. Security organs have also understood their role in democracy,” Higiro said. He commended the various government and private media for ensuring balanced reporting of the activities of the Presidential aspirants. He promised to support them if elected President. Articulating his Party’s election manifesto, Higiro said that the foundation was laid in the last seven years, a period in which, he said, PL played a key role. He highlighted progress in the Justice system, the economy, health, education and social welfare as important areas of this success. He said that all this was achieved through concerted efforts by various players in government. He said that his party will consolidate these achievements in the next seven years. Higiro said that the main aim of the establishment of the PL Party was to take leadership of the Country. He said that the party prepared well over the years and is now ready to take the highest office. He added that his party will advocate for proper service delivery, adding that they would ensure that the interests of the local people take precedence over any other interests. The PL Presidential candidate said that a lot has been achieved in gender equality but hastened to add that more needs to be done in the private sector and civil society. He pledged the modernisation of agriculture through research, offering agricultural extension services and market for agricultural products. This, he said, will cut down on the importation of products that can be produced locally. He promised support to the education sector emphasising the need for practical skills development, strengthening the role of parents in the education of their children. He pledged to rehabilitate Huye stadium to promote sports, a sector, he said has the potential of generating income.Protais Mitali, the Liberal Party President said that by holding peaceful campaigns, the party has proved doubters wrong. He rubbished claims that the Party candidate was a stooge. “We prepared well for this campaign. Our desire to take leadership of this country is no secret, we selected a candidate who we are convinced has the ability to lead this country,” Mitali said. Ends