The National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Friday announced the final three presidential candidates for Rwanda’s August 4th general elections.
Those who made to the list include the incumbent President Paul Kagame of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.
NEC’s chairman Kalisa Mbanda announced the final list of candidates a week before campaigns start.
Three other independents who submitted to participate in the race failed to fulfill the requirements and they include Diane Shima Rwigara, the only female contender, Gilbert Mwenedata and Fred Sekikubo Barafinda.
Mbada said the disqualified contenders failed to provide the 600 signatures from eligible voters as required by the Rwandan Constitution and electoral laws.
Campaigns for the qualified candidates will officially begin on July 14 and end on August 3, just a day before the elections.
The Electoral body says about 6.8 million Rwandans are expected to take part in the election, up from 5.7 million who participated in 2010 presidential elections.
