Kagame nominated to run for third term by FPR

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been nominated by ruling party Rwanda Patriotic Front (FPR) to defend his seat in the coming August 4, 2017 General Elections.

Kagame was voted by 1929 party members, which represented 99% of the total vote cast, out of the 1930 FPR congress members who voted in an event held yesterday, June 17 at the party headquarters in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo district.

President Kagame is seeking his third term in office after constitutional changes in a referendum in 2015 gave him the green light. He has been president since 2003 and was re-elected in 2010 when the terms lasted 7 years.

The August poll is expected to be an easy ride for President Kagame, since two of the biggest political organizations in Rwanda have separately decided to back him as their preferred candidate of choice.

Social Democratic Party was the first to express their commitment to endorse Mr. Kagame as their preferred candidate. Liberal Party has also endorsed Kagame.

The ceremony was witnessed by political parties from 10 countries including Kenya’s ruling coalition, Jubilee Party; China’s Communist Party, South Africa’s Africa National Congress (ANC) and Uganda’s National Resistance Movement.

Kagame will, however, face serious competition from Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, the country’s main opposition party, candidate Frank Habineza, Ms Diane Shima Rwigara, the daughter of deceased popular businessman Assinapol Rwigara, Mr. Gilbert Mwenedata, and Mr. Philippe Mpayimana, who have expressed their interest to contest for the highest political office in the country.

According to National Election Commission (NEC) executive secretary, Mr. Charles Munyaneza, the nomination of presidential candidates will commence on June 12-23, with parties or independent presidential candidates submitting their applications.

The provisional list of qualified candidates will be announced on June 27, with the final list coming out on July 7. The official campaign dates is on July 14 until august 3.