Kigali: Liberal Party (PL) flagbearer Prosper Higiro applied to campaign for president Thursday afternoon to the National Election commission with less fanfare than President Paul Kagame received earlier the same day.

PL Candidate Prosper Higiro speaks to reporters flanked by NEC chief Prof Chrysologue Karangwa (Photo: Adam Hooper)

As President Kagame filed his documents Thursday morning, hundreds of onlookers cheered at the commission headquarters in Kimihurura. But Thursday afternoon, only journalists and party staff were there when Senate Vice President Higiro submitted his paperwork.

“It's true that certain political parties ... accuse the PL of being a satellite party,” Higiro said in a press conference. “I believe the fact that I've presented myself as candidate for the Liberal Party proves that the Liberal Party is autonomous and independent. It's sufficient proof.”

In contrast to President Kagame, who divulged some aspects of the ruling RPF party manifesto as he spoke to reporters this morning, Higiro declined to comment on what he would do if he were elected president.

“We have so many proposals we want to put to the electorate,” he said. “I came just to register my candidature, not to start campaigning.”

This morning, President Kagame said he would focus on social and economic transformation if he is re-elected in August.

So far, Higiro and Kagame are the only two Rwandans to apply to run for president. The Electoral Commission says it will finalize its list of candidates by July 7 and the presidential campaign will begin on July 20.