Written By Lisa Murimi
Kigali, Rwanda — President Paul Kagame, both revered and criticized, is poised to extend his 24-year rule as Rwanda heads to the polls. Analysts predict a decisive victory for Kagame, who has consistently dominated elections since becoming president in 2000, often securing over 90% of the vote. In 2017, he won with a staggering 99%.
Kagame, 66, is challenged by only two contenders, authorized by the state-run electoral commission, while other candidates were barred from running. His presidency began after leading rebel forces to end the 1994 genocide, which claimed around 800,000 lives. Under his leadership, Rwanda has seen significant recovery and stability.
“Rwanda was 30 years ago essentially written off, but thanks to the leadership under Kagame and his ruling party, Rwanda managed to build some stability,” said Dr. Felix Ndahinda, a scholar on the Great Lakes region.
However, Kagame’s tenure is marred by allegations of suppressing opposition and orchestrating cross-border assassinations of dissidents. He defends Rwanda’s human rights record, asserting respect for political freedoms.
Approximately nine million Rwandans, including two million first-time voters, will cast their ballots. The election, seen by some as a formality, will determine the president and members of Parliament. Provisional results are expected by Tuesday morning.
Despite challenges from Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, Kagame’s victory appears inevitable, continuing his long-standing influence over Rwandan politics.
