By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Continued Leadership, Kagame's Vision for Rwanda Endorsed by Electorate
Rwandan President Paul Kagame is set to extend his 24 year rule by another five years following a landslide victory in Monday's election, according to partial results. With 79% of ballots counted, Kagame has secured 99.15% of the vote, as announced by the electoral commission.
The 66 year old leader faced minimal opposition, with prominent figures banned from the race. His two opponents, environmentalist Frank Habineza and former journalist and government adviser Philippe Mpayimana, garnered only 0.53% and 0.32% of the vote, respectively.
In an address at the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party headquarters, Kagame expressed gratitude to Rwandans for their trust. "These are not just figures, even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers. [They] show the trust, and that is what is most important," he stated.
The full provisional results are expected by 20 July, with final results due by 27 July. The election outcome mirrors the 2017 election, where Kagame won with 98.8% of the vote. Several aspirants, including outspoken critic Diane Rwigara, were disqualified from running.
The electoral commission reported a high voter turnout, with 98% of the more than 9.5 million eligible voters participating in the elections for president and 53 legislators. Elections for 27 special seats designated for women, young people, and people with disabilities will take place on Tuesday.
Kagame has been the de facto leader of Rwanda since the end of the 1994 genocide and officially became president in 2000. While rights groups accuse him of curtailing freedoms, his supporters credit him with overseeing economic growth and helping to end ethnic divisions.
