President Paul Kagame secured 99% of the votes in Rwanda’s recent presidential election, based on preliminary results.
His opponents, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, collectively received less than 1% of the vote share.
Kagame, 64 years old, has been in power since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide and faced minimal opposition this election, with two prominent critics unable to participate.
Despite criticisms of his authoritarian style, Kagame is also commended for Rwanda’s significant economic progress over the past three decades.
In 2015, Rwandans voted to remove the presidential term limits, potentially extending Kagame’s tenure until 2034.
Kagame argues that his candidacy reflects popular support, backed by both his party and public encouragement to run again.
However, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have expressed concerns about Rwanda’s political environment, citing incidents of intimidation, arbitrary detentions, unfair prosecutions, and violence against political dissenters.
Final election results are anticipated by July 27, though an earlier announcement is possible.
