It was the first time since the 1994 genocide that Rwandans went
to the polls. More than 90 percent of voters plumped in favour of a new
constitution in Tuesday's referendum. But what exactly did they say "yes"
to?
The ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of President Paul Kagama says
the new basic law will strenghthen democracy in a country beset by ethnic
animosity. It stresses that any future government will be made up of more
than one party.
Equal rights?
But Francois Grignon of the International
Crisis Group says he doubts whether there'll be a level playing field for
all political parties in Rwanda.
"Multiparty
elections are going to take place indeed and political parties are going
to be recognised but they are going to be allowed activities in a
framework which is so tight, so controlled by the RPF that there is no
fair ground between the parties. For instance the political parties are
going to be allowed to be registered but will only be able to meet on
national and district level."
No local campaigning
Seen as a source of ethnic hatred and
animosity, political campaigning is no longer be permitted on a local
level, says the RPF. But critics allege that the ruling party has ignored
the rule itself. Moreover they argue that, by permitting an executive
president to serve two seven-year terms, the new constitution has only
served to strengthen President Kagame's hold on power.
The International Crisis Group says there's no evidence to suggest an
end to political repression in Rwanda. In recent years, prominent
opposition leaders, including former Hutu prime minister Pasteur
Bizumungu, have landed behind bars.
Democracy first
The government is also preparing to slap a
ban on the country's main Hutu-dominated opposition party. There will be
no reconciliation in Rwanda as long as there's no genuine democracy, says
Mr Grignon.
"I
don't think this constitution is going to improve reconciliation inside
Rwanda. You have got a situation now where political party activities
are limited. There is some bitterness, both with Hutu's and Tutsi's,
about the fact that the power is concentrated in the hands of the RPF
and that there is no possibility to challenge that power in the name of
national unity and reconciliation."
With the new constitution adopted, Rwandan voters will go to the polls
this summer to elect a new parliament and president. These elections will
show whether Rwanda has truly taken the path of democracy and
reconciliation.
