{{For the first time, Rwandans living abroad are able to participate in their country’s parliamentary elections. }}
In the United States, Rwandans of all ages welcomed the election with excitement as manifested at election polls throughout the country.
One 80 years old Rwandan who has lived in the United States for many years was among the first to cast their votes at the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. She reminded us that it is our civic right and responsibility to vote and stated that she would not have missed this golden opportunity for anything.
Madame Gatete in Indiana commended this momentous initiative and said it will strengthen the link between Rwandans abroad and the government of Rwanda.
“We feel represented and are more inspired than ever to engage in our country’s day to day governance”, she said.
H.E. Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana echoed her constituencies’ spirit and acknowledged that today’s parliamentary elections transcend national boundaries to strengthen the full participation of Rwandans abroad in our country’s political and socioeconomic development.
Even the younger generation voiced their eagerness to fulfil this civic duty. Jabo, 8 years old Rwandan in Indiana who accompanies his parents at the poll told the voters that he can’t wait for his turn to vote.
At the Rwandan Mission in New York, California, Michigan and Oklahoma, voters exuded the same spirit of patriotism and some stayed until the end of the proceedings to celebrate. In Oklahoma, a young Rwandan student radiated joy: “I am Rwandan, my first vote ever!”
The voters in the United States expect the new Chamber of Deputies to work closely with them to address their pressuring issues.
Some noted the need for candidates to take advantage of social media in an effort to campaign to Rwandans abroad others suggested to add a representative of Rwandans abroad in the future elections.
Throughout the country, the elections were held in a highly enthusiastic atmosphere.
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