Rwandan President Paul Kagame is set for a fourth term after receiving a staggering 99.15% of the vote in an election that allowed only two challengers. The results were announced shortly after the polls closed, reaffirming Kagame’s stronghold on Rwandan politics, a position he has maintained for three decades.
Preliminary figures from the election commission indicated Kagame’s vote share surpassed his previous records, underscoring the one-sided nature of the contest. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party received 0.53%, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana obtained just 0.32%, according to AFP.
At the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) headquarters, Kagame thanked supporters for another term and highlighted the election results as a reflection of public trust and support. Despite criticisms regarding restrictions on opposition candidates, the National Electoral Commission described the electoral process as “safe and transparent.” With a large portion of the population under 30, Kagame continues to be the central political figure in a country still healing from the 1994 genocide.
Kagame has been praised for Rwanda’s economic recovery and stability post-genocide but faces accusations of authoritarianism and involvement in regional conflicts, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over nine million Rwandans participated in the election, including many first-time voters. However, Amnesty International condemned the electoral environment, pointing to significant restrictions on political opposition.
The campaign period highlighted a significant disparity in resources and visibility between Kagame’s well-funded RPF and his opponents, who struggled to gain momentum. Kagame’s constitutional amendments have extended his potential rule until 2034, a move that has been challenged by critics and opposition figures facing legal and administrative obstacles.
In the concurrent parliamentary elections, 589 candidates competed for 80 seats, representing a diverse field with reserved seats for women, youth, and people with disabilities. Despite international scrutiny and domestic opposition, Kagame’s reelection solidifies his control over Rwandan politics, paving the way for ongoing debates about governance and democratic freedoms in the nation.
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