Rwandans living in Kimironko sector, Gasabo District have made clear their choice on the need to have President Paul Kagame given a chance to run for the office of president for the next presidency.
Kimironko residents specified their views saying Kagame should not be limited to any ‘term limits’.
The residents voiced their views during a consultative meeting with Members of the senate who are on a national tour and visiting with citizens to listen to their views about the amendment of constitutional article 101 ahead of its debate in both chambers of parliament.
A team led by Senator Tito Rutaremara asked the residents to give views/reasons on why they petitioned to the parliament to have the constitution amended as it has been the case for numerous residents countrywide, and most of the residents said that their point was already made when they submitted petitions early this May. The Senate also gave room for free views to any resident who did not petition
Senator Rutaremera also asked if the residents had any views on the number of years the term of office of the president should be limited to, since the parliament had in 2003 made a choice of seven years-two-term limit without much consultation
“Now we are clear that you want the constitution to be amended, and we shall submit your views to the parliament for discussion, but what is your view on the number of years for each term?” Rutaremara asked
Most of the residents responded to Rutaremara’s question showcasing what the current government has done for them in terms of development and said that instead the debate is not on third term but to have Kagame as a life time president.
“We don’t want any term limits. We have seen what President Paul Kagame has done for us and we want continuity of his agenda until he dies or gives up himself” Francis Kwizera, one resident said.
Besides the sense of unity and reconciliation and peace, most of the residents, especially women also streamlined aspects about Kagame’s leadership, highlighting education, free health care and infrastructure as some of the key issues where they base their argument for petitioning parliament to have a referendum on constitution Article 101.
Senator Michel Rugema, who was on the team of panelist said that the views of Rwandans will have to be abided by this time around since the constitution has since 2003, been amended on some articles without much involvement of the citizens.
“This time this article is one which can only be changed by your views, and we will not violate your constitutional rights to what you choose to have as citizens” Senator Rugema said