Sawt Falasteen - Rwandan mother aims to prove that politics is for all

She is among 199 women campaigning for a place in parliament, which reserves 24 out of 80 seats in the lower house for female candidates.

Rwanda holds legislative and presidential elections next week, with long-time leader Paul Kagame widely expected to extend his iron grip on the Great Lakes nation.

Despite rights groups raising alarm bells over political repression ahead of the polls, first-time candidate Nyiramahirwe -- among 33 women competing for four seats in northern Burera District -- was sure she would make her presence felt.

"Politics is not a speciality for the wealthy. In Rwanda, it is for everyone," she told AFP in the capital Kigali in May, having made the two-hour journey from her hometown to register her candidacy.

There, the 38-year-old told a small gathering she will "preserve President Kagame's achievements" -- echoing other candidates who are careful to steer clear of criticising government policies.

Colourful if tightly controlled campaigning has seen huge crowds supporting Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party, while independent candidates have scrabbled along as best they can.

Nyiramahirwe, a maths teacher for 15 years and a farmer, is a member of the RPF but is running as an independent -- a requirement for anyone vying for seats under the women's quota.

While the main polls are on Monday, the vote for the reserved women's seats will take place on Tuesday with candidates elected by regional and municipal councillors.

- 'Break the cycle' -

Nyiramahirwe said she was an avid backer of women's rights -- an objective supported by the RPF, which maintains tight control over the political agenda -- and has been setting a hectic pace during her bid to be a lawmaker.

"I will advocate for good agricultural practices, female education, and to educate residents about important laws," Nyiramahirwe said.

The mother-of-four -- two sons, two daughters -- holds a degree in science and technology, and said education for girls was a cornerstone of her campaign.

"Educating girls is not just about giving them knowledge, it's about empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities," she said.

But, baby-in-tow, Nyiramahirwe was adamant that "going to parliament does not take away my responsibilities as a mother".

"The youngest is three months old, so I have to continue breastfeeding her even when I win a seat."

And while she navigates the capital's political landscape, she promised to remain deeply connected to her community in Burera.

"I will not forget you once I go to parliament in Kigali. I will always be available," she told a gathering in her home area.

"I'll jump on a bike and come listen to your problems whenever I must."

V.AbuAwwad--SF-PST