Official campaign for Rwanda elections kicks of today ahead of the presidential polls slated to take place on the 4 of August 2017. The presidential candidates have 19days to reach out to the various parts of the country to canvass for votes.

The three (3) candidates - incumbent Paul Kagame, of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF); Frank Habineza, of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda; and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent , all chose to begin their campaign rallies at sites out of the capital Kigali.

President Kagame, the flag bearer for the ruling RPF-Inkotanyi, will launch his campaign in Southern Province’s Ruhango District today with a manifesto that dwells on strengthening the economy, boosting social welfare, and good governance as well as justice.

Habineza will launch his campaign in Western Province’s Rusizi District with a manifesto that pledges to prioritise the rule of law in the country, ensure food security, reduce taxes, and grow an economy that is more environment-friendly.

Mpayimana will launch his campaign in Eastern Province’s Bugesera District with a pledge to strengthen democracy, promote trade and agriculture, foster more unity among Rwandans and empower the Rwandan youth, including those in the Diaspora.

According to the electoral calendar, the presidential campaigns  will end on August 3, coinciding with the diaspora vote  a day before Rwandans in the country go to the polls.