Kagame, Habineza, and Mpayimana Approved as Presidential Candidates by NEC
By The Inspirer.
On June 6, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) issued a provisional list of presidential and parliamentary candidates, indicating that only three out of the nine presidential aspirants meet the legal requirements to run for office.
The approved candidates for the 2024 presidential elections, slated for July, are incumbent President Paul Kagame, representing the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF Inkotanyi); Frank Habineza, Chairperson of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda; and independent aspirant Philippe Mpayimana.
Announcing the list on Rwanda Television, NEC Chairperson Oda Gasinzigwa stated that out of the nine submitted candidatures, only three met the criteria after screening. The candidates who did not meet the requirements are Herman Manirareba, Innocent Hakizimana, Fred Sekikubo Barafinda, Thomas Habimana, Diane Rwigara, and Jean Mbanda.
However, these aspirants have until June 14 to submit any missing documents before the final list is made public. It is important to note that the deadline for submitting voter support requirements was May 30, 2024, and this criterion cannot be fulfilled after that date.
For parliamentary candidates, NEC approved lists from six political parties, while only one independent candidate met the requirements. In special categories, the commission provisionally approved 181 candidates for the 24 women seats, 23 candidates for the two youth representative seats, and seven candidates for the seat designated for persons with disabilities.
The final list of candidates will be announced on June 14. Campaigns for both presidential and parliamentary candidates will begin on June 22 and conclude on July 13, with voting scheduled from July 14 to 15.
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