Rwanda Holds Election With Incumbent Kagame Poised to Land Victory

In Summary

• Incumbent President Paul Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda for nearly 25 years, is expected to win the presidential election as Rwandans head to the polls.
• While Kagame has been praised for his role in developing Rwanda, critics argue his administration stifles opposition and media freedom.

KIGALI, RWANDA - On Monday, July 15 2024 (today) Rwandans began voting in the presidential election with incumbent President Paul Kagame widely expected to win another term.

The 66-year-old Kagame, who has led the country for nearly a quarter of a century, is praised for his role in Rwanda's development and maintaining stability since the 1994 genocide.

Polling centers opened at 7 a.m. local time for over nine million eligible voters to cast their ballots for the president and lawmakers. Provisional results are anticipated by July 20.

Voters on the streets expressed strong support for Kagame, crediting him with bringing security, development, and effective social services to the nation of 14 million people.

"Kagame has achieved a lot for us ... we have security, all children are able to go to school, and they get meals at school," said Tuyiringirimana Olivier, a construction worker from the southern province.

Kagame, who has been president since 2000 after leading a rebel force to end the genocide, is competing against two other candidates, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, who also ran in the 2017 election.

Despite the competition, many voters, like Barimukije Pheneas, voiced their satisfaction with the voting process and their support for Kagame. "We voted smoothly without any crowding, and we are happy," Pheneas said.

Motorcycle taxi driver Karangwa Vedaste also commented on the peaceful voting process, expressing trust in his chosen leader. "I voted for a leader I trust. The one I voted for is a secret in my heart. We will share it when he wins," Vedaste said.

However, the election has not been without controversy. Several candidates, including some of Kagame's vocal critics, were barred from running due to various reasons, including prior criminal convictions.

Kagame previously won nearly 99% of the vote in the 2017 election after a constitutional change removed term limits.

Kagame's administration has been acclaimed for transforming Rwanda into a thriving economy but has faced criticism from rights activists and Western nations for allegedly stifling opposition, muzzling the media, and supporting rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Rwandan government has denied these accusations, and Kagame has pledged continued development and stability during his campaign.

Rwanda's human rights record came under scrutiny in 2022 with a migration deal struck with the UK to receive thousands of asylum seekers. The deal's future is uncertain with Britain's new government considering scrapping it.

As Rwandans await the provisional results, the expectation of Kagame's victory underscores his enduring influence and the continued support from a significant portion of the population.