Paul Kagame has been elected as President of Rwanda for the fourth term.
He won the election with a staggering 99.15 per cent of the vote in an election where only two challengers were permitted to run against him.
The result of Monday’s poll was anticipated, as Kagame has maintained a tight grip on the small African nation, first as a de facto leader and then as president for nearly three decades.
Partial results from the election commission, released seven hours after polls closed, showed Kagame’s overwhelming victory. This marks an even greater margin than the 98.79 per cent he achieved in the last election seven years ago. The Democratic Green Party candidate, Frank Habineza, managed only 0.53 per cent, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana received 0.32 per cent, with 79 per cent of ballots counted.
Speaking from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the 66-year-old leader expressed gratitude to Rwandans for entrusting him with another five years in office. “The results that have been presented indicate a very high score, these are not just figures, even if it was 100 per cent, these are not just numbers,” he said. “These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems.”
The full provisional results are expected by July 20, with definitive results by July 27. The National Electoral Commission noted that the electoral process proceeded smoothly and transparently for Rwandans both abroad and at home.
With 65 per cent of Rwanda’s population under the age of 30, Kagame remains the only leader most Rwandans have known. He is credited with rebuilding the nation after the 1994 genocide but faces criticism for ruling in a climate of fear domestically and for destabilizing neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
