Green party loses case against government

The supreme court of Rwanda has resolved that the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) has lost the case in which the party had sued government over the ongoing referendum process which will see the amendment of the constitution.

The Party had especially sued government over attempt to amend the article 101 (on presidential term limits), of which parliament has given a go ahead to a special commission to the article amended as a result of over three million Rwandans petitioning parliament.

Supreme Court judge Prof. Samuel Rugege said that the final decision on the case was based on the voices of the people, who are the ones who choose the constitution, and can also will its amendment through democracy.

He also said the court found no enough evidence based arguments that could halt the procedure which is in line with the law and democratically opted for by Rwandans.

Frank Habineza, the Green Party President said that the decision was a surprising one and the party will submit their issue to the president’s office, since the case cannot be appealed beyond the Supreme Court

Despite some few citizens opposing the constitutional amendment, there is a growing desire to amend article 101 of the constitution to lift the term limits and pave way for President Paul Kagame’s third term bid.

Millions of people, including opposition politicians have petitioned parliament to debate and lift term limit to facilitate Kagame’s third term run and the legislature has agreed to debate the issue.

The Green Party is the only opposition organization to speak out and file suit against the looming constitutional change and Kagame’s third term move.