{A survey conducted by Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) indicates that 75% of Rwandans are against presidential term limits while 92% confirmed they would vote for President Paul Kagame. }
The survey results were presented yesterday evening and centered around security, economy, citizens’ welfare and citizens’ perception on delivered services among others.
Statistics indicate that 90% of the sampled population had confidence that elections would be free and fair if they were to be held today.
Regarding presidential term limits, 75% Rwandans do not support the arrangement. The survey report observes that; “Regardless of geographical dispersal and age, 92% Rwandans supported president Kagame to be among candidates in the upcoming presidential elections. He has big chance to win as demonstrated by 77% ready to vote for him.”
To support president Kagame, citizens were motivated by prosperity he brought to Rwandans including peace promotion, unity and security.
The report also indicates that the other motive is the credibility of president Kagame to tackle various development challenges.
{{Economy }}
The survey indicates that citizens have a good perception on the country’s economic vision where 83% appreciate the stability of country’s economy. Almost 30% expect support from government’s plans to eradicate poverty.
{{Freedom and democracy }}
86% of interviewed citizens say they have freedom of expression and rated democracy at 82% while 10% noted that there are still minor challenges in democracy.
{{Water and sanitation services }}
Water and sanitation agency was given a low rating of 54% in the delivery of services compared to other institutions. The report indicates that government organs in charge of water distribution need to increase efforts in the delivery of services.
The police and the army rank as topmost in respecting citizens and delivering good services.
{{Corruption}}
The survey indicated that many of government institutions have no bribery related cases but pointed the national police over the percentage of 12% embezzlement.
During the presentation of the survey results yesterday, Dr. Arthur Bainomugisha, the director of ACODE, said that the government policy to fight against corruption is promising adding that more efforts are needed to strengthen the eradication of bribery.
The report joins various surveys including World Economic Forum and Transparency International.
{{Lack of compliance with other reports over various interests }}
Some international organizations have claimed lack of transparency in Rwanda, poor observation of human rights, freedom of expression, democracy and sometimes suggest a declining economic performance.
Experts attending the presentation like Dr. Mutebi Golooba, revealed that some of the researchers have their personal interests.
Prof. Nshuti Manasseh said that it is a commendable step for Africans to make their own research.
“I think international community’s surveys don’t depict Rwandans’ perceptions of their deeds. What we think is what we can see now in the report. The remaining challenge is how our research can correct existing false images on the international scene,” he said.
It was highlighted by Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, the spokesperson of Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) that these statistics depict who Rwandans are.
{{Government’s plan}}
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Vincent Munyeshyaka said that the survey should be used to address those areas where the citizens are not well satisfied. He said that more talks will be organized to engage citizens in poverty reduction.
The survey was conducted from 30th July to 20th August, 2015 and took sample size of 2,036 citizens.
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