KIGALI, July 15 – Rwandans voted on Monday in a presidential election widely expected to extend the rule of 66-year-old incumbent Paul Kagame, who has led the country for nearly 25 years. Kagame, who has consistently won over 93% of the vote in previous elections, is anticipated to secure another decisive victory.
Kagame is running against two candidates, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, who also challenged him in the 2017 election. Despite eight candidates applying to run, only Habineza and Mpayimana were approved by the electoral commission, with others barred due to reasons including prior criminal convictions.
Voter turnout was high at the Rwandexco polling center in Kigali, where people began queuing 90 minutes before polls opened. Voter Barimukije Pheneas praised Kagame for his role in rebuilding Rwanda post-1994 genocide and providing effective social services. “We voted smoothly without any crowding, and we are happy,” Pheneas said. “I voted for Paul Kagame because he has achieved a lot for us; he united us.”
Provisional results are expected by July 20. Kagame is seeking the support of over 9 million eligible voters, who are also electing members of parliament. The election process has been described as calm and peaceful by many, including motorcycle taxi driver Karangwa Vedaste. “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.
In 2017, Kagame won nearly 99% of the vote after a constitutional change allowed him to stand for re-election by removing term limits. While praised for transforming Rwanda into a thriving economy, Kagame has faced criticism from rights activists and Western nations for restricting media freedom, stifling opposition, and supporting rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Rwandan government has denied these accusations, with Kagame promising continued development and stability during his campaign.
Rwanda’s human rights record came into focus with a 2022 migration deal with the UK, which agreed to send thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda. However, the UK’s new government has stated it would scrap the deal.
