Polling stations opened across Rwanda on Monday for presidential and parliamentary elections, with the nation’s long-standing leader Paul Kagame poised to secure another five-year term amidst limited competition.
Kagame, who has effectively led Rwanda since the end of the 1994 genocide and officially became president in 2000, faces just two challengers after several prominent critics were disqualified from running.
The electoral landscape mirrors the 2017 election, where Kagame overwhelmingly won with nearly 99 percent of the vote, underscoring the widely anticipated outcome this year.
Frank Habineza, leader of the Democratic Green Party, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana are the only contenders approved to challenge Kagame out of the initial eight applicants.
With 65 percent of Rwanda’s population under the age of 30, Kagame, seeking his fourth term, remains the dominant and enduring figure in Rwandan politics for most citizens.
Credited with rebuilding Rwanda after the genocide that claimed approximately 800,000 lives, primarily Tutsi, Kagame’s leadership has also drawn criticism from rights groups for its autocratic tendencies, including crackdowns on media and political dissent, arbitrary detentions, and allegations of extraterritorial military involvement.
Over nine million Rwandans are registered to vote at 2,433 polling stations on Monday, marking the first simultaneous presidential and legislative elections. Polls opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 3:00 pm (1300 GMT), with results expected to be released progressively.
— Opposition Challenges —
Kagame secured landslide victories in 2003, 2010, and 2017 with over 93 percent of the vote each time. His recent constitutional amendments shortened presidential terms and potentially extend his rule until 2034.
Rwandan courts rejected appeals by prominent opposition figures Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire to overturn prior convictions that disqualified them from the election. High-profile critic Diane Rwigara was also barred from running for the second time due to purported paperwork issues.
Amnesty International highlighted severe restrictions on Rwanda’s opposition, citing threats, arbitrary detentions, prosecutions, and other human rights abuses ahead of the election.
— Campaign Dynamics —
During the campaign, Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) displayed a strong organizational presence with car pennants, flags, posters, and banners adorned with party colors and slogans like “Tora Kagame Paul” (“Vote Paul Kagame”) and “PK24” (“Paul Kagame 2024”).
Despite economic challenges — with nearly half the population living on less than $2.15 a day — Kagame’s tenure saw average economic growth of 7.2 percent between 2012 and 2022, coupled with infrastructural advancements like hospitals and roads.
Supporters at RPF rallies praised Kagame for educational improvements, healthcare reforms, and economic growth, asserting that his leadership was indispensable for Rwanda’s stability and progress.
— Parliamentary Race —
In the parliamentary election, over 500 candidates vie for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. While 53 seats are directly elected, the RPF and its allies currently hold a significant majority. Additionally, 24 seats are reserved for women, two for youths, and one for individuals with disabilities, with elections slated for Tuesday.
As the electoral process unfolds, Rwanda prepares for another chapter in its political landscape under the enduring leadership of Paul Kagame.
Punch