On Monday, July 15th, Rwandan President Paul Kagame secured a resounding victory in the country’s presidential election, winning 99% of the vote, according to provisional results. Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda for nearly three decades, faced minimal opposition in this election, as two prominent critics were barred from running.
The National Electoral Commission of Rwanda announced that with 79% of ballots counted, Kagame had garnered 99.15% of the vote. His opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana received 0.53% and 0.32% of the vote, respectively. Final results are expected by July 27th.
Kagame’s overwhelming victory mirrors the 2017 election results, where he also won nearly 99% of the vote. In his address at the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) headquarters, Kagame expressed gratitude to Rwandans for their trust. “These are not just figures, even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers. [They] show the trust, and that is what is most important,” he said.
The election saw a high turnout, with 98% of the 9.5 million eligible voters participating. However, the lack of significant opposition has drawn criticism from various quarters. Rights groups have long accused Kagame’s administration of suppressing political freedoms and curtailing dissent. Amnesty International recently highlighted issues such as arbitrary detention, prosecution on trumped-up charges, and enforced disappearances targeting political opponents.
Despite these criticisms, Kagame remains a popular figure among many Rwandans, credited with steering the country towards economic growth and stability following the 1994 genocide. His supporters argue that he has played a crucial role in ending ethnic divisions and fostering development in the East African nation.
Kagame’s long tenure has been marked by significant constitutional changes, including a 2015 referendum that lifted the two-term limit for presidents. This change allows him to potentially remain in power until 2034. Addressing journalists on Saturday, Kagame stated, “The ruling party and Rwandans have been asking me to stand for another mandate. At a personal level, I can comfortably go home and rest.”
The election took place amid heightened tensions in the Great Lakes region, particularly with ongoing conflicts involving the M23 rebels in neighboring Congo. Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has drawn international scrutiny, with the United Nations reporting that Rwandan forces are fighting alongside the M23.
As Kagame embarks on another term, the international community and human rights organizations will closely monitor Rwanda’s political climate, particularly concerning freedoms and human rights.
