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KIGALI. – Rwanda’s electoral commission has barred three candidates from running in next month’s presidential election, while allowing two opposition figures to stand against incumbent President Paul Kagame.
Diane Shima Rwigara, hitherto the only female contender; Gilbert Mwenedata and Fred Sekikubo Barafinda have been barred from running.
Rwigara, who was standing as an independent, said last week that local leaders threatened her supporters while they were collecting signatures for her nomination.
Rwandans go to the polls on August 4.
The choices on offer are Paul Kagame, president since 1994; Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
Habineza’s Greens is the only opposition party allowed to operate in Rwanda.
Observers say President Kagame’s victory is overwhelmingly likely.- France24-AP-AFP-Herald Reporter.
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