Rwanda president thanks nation for voting in referendum

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame Monday thanked the nation for voting in a constitutional referendum that would allow him to seek re-election after his term expires in 2017, though he is yet to say if he would seek re-election.

In his state of the nation address in Kigali, Kagame rejected an attempt by the West to undermine the results of last week's constitutional referendum.

Results from Friday's referendum, indicated that 98 percent of voters voted "yes."

The United States has expressed "disappointment" that a referendum was called on short notice to amend the Rwandan constitution and introduce exceptions to term limits.

"While we commend the people of Rwanda for peacefully exercising their civic rights, we regret that the arrangements for the referendum failed to provide sufficient time and opportunity for political debate on the merits of the proposed provisions," a White House statement said Saturday.

The Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda also expressed concern that the one week run-up to the referendum in Rwanda neither fully explained the constitutional changes, nor offered sufficient time and space for debate.

On Monday Kagame in a veiled message said statements that depict Rwandans as people incapable of either thought or feeling are "deliberately abusive."

"There is no problem with advice or criticism from any quarter, because it can benefit us. But statements that acknowledge our good results, while depicting Rwandans as people incapable of either thought or feeling, are not critical, they are deliberately abusive. To that, we listen, we pay attention, and put all that where it belongs," he said.

He thanked those who took part in the vote, saying that "Participation in the recent Referendum was massive. Most voted 'Yes'. Tens of thousands voted 'No'. I thank each and every one of you."

He said when the time comes to transfer responsibility from one public servant to another, Rwandans already has confidence that it will be done in an orderly and harmonious manner.

"It is a privilege to serve Rwandans, not an entitlement. No individual is forever, but there is no term limit on values, institutions, or progress," he said.

He made the address at annual national dialogue council attended by Rwandan officials and other invited dignitaries, including foreign diplomats.

The Rwandan leader said Rwandans will always want to stay together, adding that "we will always be accountable to ourselves first, and we are not going to stop thinking big."

"We stand up for these propositions without hesitation, and undaunted by reproach. The results are undeniable and the historical context is unforgettable, at least to us Rwandans."

He decried the fact that every year, some states fail, and world affairs become more complex and uncertain.

"It makes no sense to undermine the legitimate and effective governments that are best able to help tackle the serious global challenges facing all of us in different ways, just to score debating points," he said.

He noted that Rwandans expect a democracy in which public office is routinely transferred from one individual of their choice to another.

"Rwandans want a good politics that keeps delivering results, and respects the fundamental principles in our Constitution,"

"Real power and decision-making always remain firmly in the hands of the people themselves,"

After voting last Friday, Kagame said he would announce whether he will be standing when time comes. Endit