KIGALI, June 19 – Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denounced Western nations for what he calls “double standards” in their approach to democracy, just ahead of Rwanda’s upcoming general elections next month.
In an interview broadcasted on national television, Kagame responded to critics who accuse him of overstaying his tenure, stating, “Democracy is about freedom of choice. Unless definitions have changed, I have never known any place where democracy succeeds when principles are dictated from outside.”
The comments from Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, come shortly after Rwanda’s National Electoral Commission cleared him, along with two other candidates, for the presidential election. He represents the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), with opposition coming from Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
Kagame pointedly questioned the validity of foreign criticism regarding Rwanda’s political landscape. “Some of these countries have strict rules against interference in their own politics but readily involve themselves in others’. What sense does that make?” he questioned.
The Rwandan leader also highlighted what he perceives as inconsistencies in how democracy is interpreted and applied globally. “If intervening in others’ affairs is condemned, why is it permissible for them to do so? Some of these leaders have low approval ratings at home, yet they lecture others on democracy,” Kagame remarked.
The upcoming elections on July 15 will determine both the president and members of parliament in Rwanda.
