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Why I Will Wake Up and Go to Vote on July 15, 2024

As a Christian who strives to see all things through the lens of Scripture, the upcoming elections on July 15, 2024, hold significant importance. Voting is more than just a civic duty; it is a manifestation of our commitment to the values and principles that shape our faith and guide our lives. Simply put, we have a responsibility to shape the nation we live in through our voting.

There are many Bible-based reasons why I will vote, but I am sharing these, especially with the young people who will be voting for the first time in Rwanda—a significant number.

What do governing rulers expect from all Rwandan citizens above the age of 18 who are eligible to vote? To go out and vote. My insistence on calling all young people to vote is not only because the government requires them to; it's my show of respect to the government that God has given to this nation. It is me giving to Caesar what belongs to him or, better yet, it is me realizing that God has established these authorities, calling me to show up and vote (Romans 13:1-2).

Unfortunately, not voting is not a neutral act; abstaining from voting is voting for the status quo in an inactive manner. For that reason, as a Christian, you can either actively choose to obey Romans 13:1-2, be grateful for an opportunity to choose a candidate whose politics and manifesto align with your Christian values, or choose the status quo, which is disobedience.

I will go out to vote because it is a means of seeking good for the land. As a Christian, I have dual nationality: one heavenly and one earthly. Thank God there is nowhere in the Scriptures I am called to work for the good of heaven, but Jeremiah 29:7 calls me to seek the welfare of the place where I live. Considering that the vision of the next five years belongs to the candidate who will win, my responsibility is to choose a candidate who will rule the nation in such a way that I can seek the prosperity of the nation and also proclaim the Gospel in freedom.

I am also calling on you not to sleep while the whole country of Rwanda is voting if you are eligible. Do all you can to ensure that you have voted; don’t take this responsibility for granted. Remember to vote after giving it good thought and remember to pray for the peace of the nation throughout the whole process.

Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good 1 Peter 2:13-14.