candidates for next month’s presidential election, saying they didn’t fulfill requirements such as collecting enough supporting signatures.
Those disqualified on Friday are Diane Shima Rwigara, Gilbert Mwenedata and Fred Sekikubo Barafinda.
Rwigara, who was running as an independent, said last week that local leaders threatened her supporters while they collected signatures.
The
electoral commission’s announcement comes as Amnesty International
charges that the election will be held under a “climate of fear” and
repression.
Rwandans go to the polls August 4. They will choose
among longtime President Paul Kagame, Frank Habineza of the opposition
Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.According to electoral laws, independent presidential candidates are required to present 600 signatures, with at least 12 from each of Rwanda’s 30 districts.
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