The term, “The youth is the future”, long used to adhere to the young generation’s preparation to lead Rwanda, might finally be in full effect in an unprecedented wave of youth empowerment, as Rwanda’s upcoming summer elections welcome a surge of young candidates vying for parliamentary seats.
This shift marks a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape, signaling the rise of a new generation ready to shape Rwanda’s future.
These young aspirants, some as young as 21, are not just running for office. They’re running with a purpose. Shariff Ntwari, a second-year student at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, Rukara campus, is one such individual who filed his candidature to the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on Monday, May 27.
Ntwari, at just 21 years old, sees the upcoming parliamentary elections as the perfect opportunity for him to step up and contribute to the country’s development by being a voice for youth in parliament. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the wishes of the people he’s representing as he highlighted his close connection with the community and his understanding of their problems.
Similarly, actor and comedian Samson Mucyo, widely known as Sam Zuby, is another young candidate who submitted his candidature for the July parliamentary elections. At 26 years old, Mucyo recognizes the significant representation of youth in Rwanda’s population and believes that working together with them can bring about meaningful changes. His project, aimed at tackling unemployment, reflects his commitment to addressing critical issues affecting the youth.
These young candidates are driven by policy priorities that reflect the concerns of their generation, with a strong emphasis on education, employment, and technology. Despite facing various challenges in the political arena, including skepticism due to their age and perceived lack of experience, they view their youth as a strength, bringing fresh perspectives and a deep understanding of the issues affecting their generation.
Frank Musinguzi, a 30-year-old hospitality entrepreneur, will be running as an independent aspirant for the parliamentary elections due in July. Musinguzi stresses his will and ability to contribute to building his country as a lawmaker, focusing on harnessing the potential of the youth as the central force for the country’s development. He highlights the need for high-level mobilization in all sectors to empower young people and jointly develop the country.
This movement is not just a blip on the radar. Compared to past elections, there has been a noticeable increase in youth candidates, attributed to the growing realization among young Rwandans that they have a crucial role in their country’s governance. The diverse backgrounds of these candidates, from students to entrepreneurs, add richness to the political discourse and reflect their determination and commitment to serve their country.
The surge in youth candidates can also be seen in Rwanda’s political parties, where PS Imberakuri submitted a youth-dominant list with 80 candidates for parliamentary polls. Around 70 percent of all the candidates are young people with a “thirst to be members of Parliament,” according to the party Chairperson, Christine Mukabunani.
One of the most significant impacts of this youth wave is its potential influence on youth voter turnout. With candidates they can relate to, young people may feel more encouraged to participate in the electoral process, bringing palpable excitement as first-time voters prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. This is evident through a series of candid interviews conducted by media outlets and on social media – a tool favored by Rwandan youth. The election day just can’t come soon enough.
In the words of one of these young candidates, Venuste Icyitegetse, an economic and human capital development officer, emphasizes the importance of creating a greater internship program for graduates to support youth employment. His advocacy for professional internships to prepare young graduates for the job market reflects the multifaceted approach adopted by these aspiring leaders to address the challenges facing Rwanda’s youth.
The revolutionary potential of this new wave of leadership is highlighted by their commitment to advocating for the goals of youth and their creative policy priorities. And as they stand on the cusp of making history, these young aspirants embody the spirit of resilience and determination, heralding a new era of youth empowerment in Rwandan politics.
July 15 is the voting date for the 53 MPs and the President. A final list of names submitted by independent candidates or political organizations will be selected. And On July 14, the diaspora will cast ballots.
