Kigali, July 17: President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has secured another resounding victory in the country’s recent elections, garnering over 99% of the vote in a preliminary count. This landslide win allows him to extend his authoritarian rule for another five-year term.
In an election largely viewed as a formality, with only two other candidates permitted to contest, Kagame received 99.15% of the vote with 79% of ballots counted, according to the election commission. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green party received 0.53%, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana garnered 0.32%.
Addressing supporters from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party, Kagame emphasized the significance of the high voter turnout and expressed confidence in addressing the country’s challenges with public support.
Kagame, who led the RPF from a rebel group to victory over extremist Hutu forces, ending the 1994 genocide, has been in power since 2000. Constitutional amendments have allowed him to extend his tenure until 2034, amidst criticisms of stifling dissent and human rights abuses by his administration.
Critics argue that his government has suppressed opposition voices, with reports of disappearances and deaths of opposition figures and journalists under suspicious circumstances. Rwandan officials have denied these allegations.
Despite international scrutiny, Kagame is credited domestically with fostering national unity, stability, and economic development. Many Rwandans, like Emmanuel Kwibuka, a taxi driver in Kigali, cite improved living conditions and infrastructure development as reasons for their continued support.
The final election results, scheduled for 27 July, will confirm Kagame’s re-election for another term, extending his near quarter-century in power.