After casting his vote at Kimironko II polling station, opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda candidate Frank Habineza has said that the voting process is going well, and he is confident of winning the elections if the results are free and fair.
Speaking to the journalists at 8 a.m on Friday after casting his vote, Dr. Habineza who was accompanied by his wife said that Rwanda has taken another step in as far as democracy is concerned.
“We believe we’re going to win, there is a lot of support, there is a lot of enthusiasm people want to see change because they want to see a new leader after 24 years. As a Democratic party, if the elections are free and fair we shall accept the results.”
“We are now building a foundation, in that even the next generation can continue from there. It’s the first time an opposition political party candidate has gone on the ballot paper. It is a positive milestone to start building a foundation so as to move forward and we optimistic to win the election this year.”
The 41-year old said that campaigns were peaceful though they began with some challenges faced by the 500 Green Party election observers who were sent to different parts of the country. They’re not allowed to do their task as planned.
“In many areas, they were denied the opportunity to enter to do their job, for instance in Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Kayonza, Nyaruguru and the Musanze but we’re in talks with the Electoral Comission President.”
“The challenges have a bit reduced, they’re saying that the legitimate letters we gave to our observers were photocopies. I am the one who signed that letter, we couldn’t sign 500 papers, we photocopied them. My signature and the stamp for the party is there they should leave our people to follow up.”
Habineza said that Democratic Green Party sent three people to each of the polling stations, to make a follow up on the voting process.
There are 2,000 observers both local and international in this year’s elections, at least 200 journalists both from local and international media houses. Habineza is in the presidential race with the incumbent President Paul Kagame, and the independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
The National Electoral Commission is set to announce preliminary results tonight at 11p.m.
The Express News Rwanda
