Rwanda to hold first presidential debate

Rwanda’s electoral commission has announced plans to hold the country’s first presidential debate which will br broadcast live ahead of the August 4 elections.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the state-run broadcaster Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) announced on Thursday without giving a date for the debate, The EastAfrican reported. “RBA gave room for the debate, where candidates or their representatives will appear at the same time. They will speak about their policies with a moderator conducting the debate,” said spokesperson for the NEC, Moise Bukasa, who added that it is likely to be held a week before the elections.

Campaigns are ongoing as the three candidates – Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF)‘s President Paul Kagame, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Frank Habineza, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana – are holding rallies across the country.

Frank Habineza told the EastAfrican that he will be at the debate only if Kagame is present himself.

Elections will be held on August 3 in the diaspora and August 4 in Rwanda.

Winner of the polls will get a seven-year term to steer the affairs of the country seen as one of Africa’s rising economic powerhouses.