Rwanda's incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling party Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) speaks during his last presidential campaign rally in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Aug. 2, 2017. Rwanda's three presidential candidates Wednesday concluded their campaign rallies ahead of Friday polls that will elect the president for the next seven years. (Xinhua/Gabriel Dusabe)
KIGALI, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's three presidential candidates Wednesday concluded their campaign rallies ahead of Friday polls that will elect the president for the next seven years.
The three presidential contenders, incumbent President Paul Kagame of the ruling party Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate held their final rallies in Kigali.
Kagame, who has been the president of Rwanda since 2000, wrapped up his campaign rallies at Bumbogo sector, Gasabo district in the outskirts of capital Kigali. Hundreds of thousands of supporters cheered as well-known local musicians kept the crowd entertained before the incumbent president arrived.
The RPF flag bearer's final campaign rally was characterized by "Walk for Paul Kagame", where thousands of his supporters most especially the youth walked a 20 kilometers journey from Amahoro National Stadium to Bumbogo at the final event venue.
Kagame in the rally reiterated his pledge to further work to enhance Rwanda's development, strengthen security, and improve general welfare of Rwandans. "Rwanda has passed through a lot, drawing useful lessons along the way," he said.
"We know how to make choices for our lives basing on where we have come from and where we are today."
Habineza concluded his campaign rally in Nyabugogo, a suburb of Kigali city while independent candidate Mpayimana held his last rally at Amahoro National Stadium.
Habineza moved around the city waving the residents before he arrived at the rally. "I will end all unnecessary and none registered taxes to tax payers," Habineza said at his last rally.
For the last two weeks, the three presidential candidates have been travelling countrywide soliciting votes.
RPF's manifesto mainly focuses on strengthening the economy, citizen's social welfare, and good governance among others.
On the other hand Habineza campaigned on pledge to promote food security, re-enforce the rule of law in the country, reduce taxes, and grow more environment-friendly economy.
Mpayimana's campaign message focused on a pledge to strengthen democracy, promote trade and agriculture, foster unity among Rwandans and empower Rwandan youth among other pledges.
Many analysts predict Kagame as the winner.
"I think Kagame will win with well over 90 percent of the total national vote largely due to his stature and achievement, the strength of his party RPF and the clear weakness of his opponents," Christopher Kayumba, senior lecturer, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Rwanda told Xinhua in an interview.
Kagame, 59, has been president since 2000 when he was elected president of the transitional government by ministers and members of parliament following the resignation of then President Pasteur Bizimungu. Kagame was then reelected in 2003 and 2010.
National Electoral Commission (NEC) has set up 2,340 polling centers and 16,691 polling rooms across the country which will minimize long queues during the elections, Rwandan media The New Times quoted official of NEC as saying.
According to NEC, Polling stations will be open at 7 a.m. and will close at 3 p.m..
Over 6.8 million people will participate in this year's presidential elections, up from 5.7 million, who participated in 2010 presidential elections.
