In a landslide victory that reinforces his three-decade grip on power, President Paul Kagame has secured nearly 99% of the vote in Rwanda’s presidential election, according to provisional results announced by electoral authorities. The outcome, which mirrors his overwhelming win in 2017, was widely expected as Kagame ran virtually unopposed after his strongest critics were barred from running for high office.
The electoral process unfolded on Monday with reports of long lines at polling stations across the capital, Kigali, underscoring a high turnout among the country’s 9.5 million registered voters out of a population of approximately 14 million.
Opposition candidates Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana collectively received less than 1% of the vote, further highlighting Kagame’s dominance in the political landscape.
The 66-year-old Kagame, who has led Rwanda since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, has been credited with steering the country through significant economic and social reforms, although his administration has faced criticism for restricting political freedoms and limiting opposition activities.
Speaking about the election, electoral authorities noted that provisional results accounted for 79% of all ballots cast, with final results expected to be announced by July 27, potentially earlier.
Observers and critics have raised concerns over the fairness of the electoral process, pointing to the exclusion of prominent opposition figures from the race. Despite these concerns, Kagame’s overwhelming victory underscores his enduring popularity among many Rwandans who view him as a stabilizing force in the country’s post-genocide era.
As Rwanda prepares for the next phase under Kagame’s leadership, attention now turns to the implementation of his agenda and the country’s future political landscape amidst ongoing scrutiny from international observers and human rights groups.
For now, the provisional results signal a continuation of Kagame’s long tenure at the helm of Rwanda’s government, setting the stage for further development and challenges ahead.
