Many have been so intent on believing that the Rwandan success story is short lived that they have failed to realize that they are in fact witness to one of the most democratic and peaceful elections in the region.  If we continue to define democracy as the choice of the majority, the support for President Kagame in this campaign has surpassed this definition. The genuine demonstration of excitement and confidence in the RPF candidate are not the result of a well-oiled brain washing machine as many continue to think-it is the results of the change that President Kagame’s leadership has brought to Rwanda. His leadership not only liberated Rwandans from the genocide but also reached back into history and broke the cycle of bad leadership that has plagued Rwanda for over sixty years. In sixteen years, President Kagame’s leadership has slowly rebuilt the trust, confidence and belief in self that were lost with colonization. Testimonies after testimonies, Rwandans from all over the country stood up in front of all the supporters to thank President Kagame for restoring their pride in their countries and themselves.

View pictures of RPF rally in Gasabo

Three days before election, the crowds gathered in Kayonza and Rwamagana in a continuous show of support and trust in the RPF presidential candidate. As the day gets closer, the supporters have become even more eager to assure President Kagame of their vote on August 9th. Many travel hours to reach the rally sites and often arrive before sunrise to secure a place close to the stage. The excitement and spontaneous demonstration of appreciation for President Kagame continue to increase as August 9th approaches. Though many remain skeptical, the unity and hope that President Kagame has brought to Rwandans is nothing but clear in the numerous testimonies at the different sites. In Kayonza, supporters heard from a member of the pre-1994 army who fled once the previous government lost the war. However, with one of the many RPF’s policies aimed at fostering reconciliation, he was allowed to return to Rwanda and become reintegrated into society.

View pictures of Rwamagana and Kayonza campaing ralllies

In an effort to fit the extraordinary story of progress in the small nation of Rwanda, critics have resorted to telling the story that fits with their ordinary image of Africa. It is the story of a people led by a dictator and unable to choose or speak for themselves. Most of all, it is once again the story of an African nation awaiting the helpful hand of a western world that always knows best. Somehow, the hundred of thousands supporters that continue to freely attend President Kagame’s rally, the never before seen growth of Rwanda’s economy and the dozens of testimonies that speak of the subsequent socio-economic change in the lives of all Rwandans all seem to become insignificant in this twisted tale. When the choice of the people overwhelmingly leans towards the internationally un-favored candidate, suddenly democracy no longer means choice. Instead, the millions of supporting voices are silenced and their choice is immediately qualified as coerced or uneducated.

Click here to view photos of Nyagatare rally

Dear supporters,

I stand today honored and more proud than ever to serve a people that have shown extraordinary determination, courage and hard work. As we near the end of the campaign, I want to share with you moments of the astonishing ride that I have been on for the past few weeks. The number of supporters at each rally continues to give me the confidence that nothing will stand in the way of our development.
Where I had expected no more than sixty thousand, more than a hundred thousand turned up to show the RPF and myself that doubt has been replaced with trust and pride in our leadership.

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Ibaruwa ifunguye Perezida Kagame yandikiye abamushyigikiye - Kigali, 5 Kanama 2010