Rwandan PM calls on electorate to exercise civic duty in presidential vote

KIGALI, Aug 24 (AFP) - Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza on Sunday called on the population to turn out massively to vote in the presidential election, the first in the country since the 1994 genocide, and to choose a patriotic candidate.

"To vote is not only a right, it is also a civic duty for all those who love their country and who fulfill all the conditions to exercise this civic duty", Makuza was quoted as saying by national radio.

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Makuza, in a message to the nation, called on the population to "vote for a patriotic and wise candidate able to lead the country towards a constructive vision and lasting development".

Since the withdrawal earlier Sunday of female presidential candidate Alivera Mukabaramba, three people remain in the running: incumbent President Paul Kagame -- who is widely favored to win -- his main opponent, former Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu and one minor candidate, former minister Jean-Nepomuscene Nayinzira.

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