Rwanda’s current President, Paul Kagame, has been re-elected with an overwhelming 99.18% of the vote, as announced by the National Electoral Commission on Thursday. This win extends Kagame’s nearly 24-year tenure in office.
The election, which took place on Monday, resulted in Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana conceding defeat to Kagame. However, the electoral process has faced criticism from rights groups, citing crackdowns on journalists, opposition figures, and civil society organizations.
Government spokespersons consistently dismissed allegations of irregularities and suppression throughout the election period.
During a news conference, Oda Gasinzigwa of the National Electoral Commission reported a high voter turnout of 98.20% among the nine million registered voters. Gasinzigwa also mentioned that the final election results are expected to be officially declared by July 27.
Kagame, who has received more than 93% of the vote in the last three elections, has gained international acclaim from Western and regional leaders for his role in ending the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and subsequently rebuilding the nation into an attractive hub for investment and aid.
Despite these achievements, Kagame’s reputation has been marred by allegations of domestic abuses and accusations of supporting rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, charges he has consistently denied.
Ahead of the election, the electoral commission disqualified eight other candidates, including vocal critics of Kagame, citing incomplete registration documents as the reason.
The electoral victory solidifies Kagame’s position as a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, paving the way for his continued leadership amid domestic challenges and international scrutiny.
