Diane Rwigara, one of Rwanda’s most vocal opposition figures, has been blocked from contesting in the country’s July 15 presidential election.
“After all the time, work, and effort I put in, I am very disappointed to hear that I am not on the list of presidential candidates,” said Rwigara, 42, on Friday evening. She took to the social media platform X to question President Paul Kagame, asking, “@PaulKagame why won’t you let me run?” and accusing him of cheating her out of her right to campaign for a second time.
Rwigara, the leader of the People Salvation Movement (PSM), submitted her nomination papers on June 4, 2024, for the upcoming presidential elections.
She claimed to have provided all the required documents along with 974 signatures, exceeding the minimum requirement of 600 from all 30 districts.
However, Rwigara’s name did not appear on the provisional list of candidates released by Rwanda’s electoral body on Thursday. The list included Paul Kagame of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
The electoral body’s chief, Oda Gasinzigwa, stated that Rwigara failed to provide the necessary 600 signature endorsements, falling short in at least 12 signatures from eight districts. Additionally, the commission pointed out that Rwigara, who held Belgian citizenship until 2017, did not sufficiently prove she was Rwandan by birth. Rwigara, however, maintained she was born in Rwanda.
Rwigara recently announced her presidential bid, declaring, “A new chapter for Rwanda begins now. Join me as I run for President.” She urged her supporters, saying, “Together we will make history!” Rwanda’s presidential elections are scheduled for July 15, 2024.
President Paul Kagame, who has been in office since 2000, is already campaigning for re-election. Following a 2015 constitutional amendment, Kagame is eligible to remain in office for another decade.
