Rwandan President Paul Kagame has clinched a fourth term in office with a staggering 99.15 per cent of the vote in an election where only two challengers were permitted to run against him.
The result of Monday’s poll was anticipated, as Kagame has maintained a tight grip on the small African nation, first as a de facto leader and then as president for nearly three decades.
Partial results from the election commission, released seven hours after polls closed, showed Kagame’s overwhelming victory. This marks an even greater margin than the 98.79 per cent he achieved in the last election seven years ago. The Democratic Green Party candidate, Frank Habineza, managed only 0.53 per cent, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana received 0.32 per cent, with 79 per cent of ballots counted.
Speaking from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the 66-year-old leader expressed gratitude to Rwandans for entrusting him with another five years in office. “The results that have been presented indicate a very high score, these are not just figures, even if it was 100 per cent, these are not just numbers,” he said. “These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems.”
The full provisional results are expected by July 20, with definitive results by July 27. The National Electoral Commission noted that the electoral process proceeded smoothly and transparently for Rwandans both abroad and at home.
With 65 per cent of Rwanda’s population under the age of 30, Kagame remains the only leader most Rwandans have known. He is credited with rebuilding the nation after the 1994 genocide but faces criticism for ruling in a climate of fear domestically and for destabilizing neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
LEADERSHIP reports that over nine million Rwandans were registered to vote, including about two million first-time voters, with the presidential election coinciding with legislative elections for the first time.
LEADERSHIP also reports that Kagame has consistently secured over 93 per cent of the vote in previous elections in 2003, 2010, and 2017. He has implemented controversial constitutional amendments to reduce presidential terms from seven to five years, resetting the clock to potentially extend his rule until 2034.
Also, recall that Rwandan courts have upheld convictions disqualifying prominent opposition figures Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire from running. Additionally, the election commission barred outspoken Kagame critic Diane Rwigara, citing paperwork issues.
Amnesty International highlighted the severe restrictions faced by Rwanda’s political opposition, including threats, arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, trumped-up charges, killings, and enforced disappearances.
During the three-week campaign, the RPF’s powerful PR machine dominated, with the party’s red, white, and blue colors and slogans like “Tora Kagame Paul” (“Vote Paul Kagame”) and “PK24” (“Paul Kagame 2024”) visible everywhere. In contrast, Kagame’s rivals struggled to attract significant support, with some events drawing fewer than 100 attendees.
Kagame’s RPF is credited with ending the 1994 genocide and leading Rwanda to significant economic recovery, with GDP growing by an average of 7.2 per cent annually from 2012 to 2022. However, the World Bank reports that nearly half the population lives on less than $2.15 a day.
Internationally, Kagame’s administration faces accusations of meddling in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with UN reports alleging Rwandan troops’ involvement with M23 rebels.
In the parliamentary elections, 589 candidates vied for 80 seats, with 53 elected by universal suffrage. The RPF held 40 seats in the outgoing assembly, with allies holding 11 and Habineza’s party having two. An additional 27 seats are reserved for women, youth, and people with disabilities.