Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has set a new record in Monday’s elections, securing over 99% of the vote, according to provisional results.
This surpasses his 2017 result of 98.63%, and the 93% and 95% he received in the 2010 and 2003 elections, respectively.
Critics argue that Kagame’s overwhelming majorities are predictable given his authoritarian rule.
In contrast, supporters attribute his landslide victories to his significant popularity and the stability and economic growth achieved under his leadership.
Kagame, a former rebel commander, came to power in 1994 after ending a genocide that claimed around 800,000 lives in just 100 days.
The electoral commission disqualified at least three presidential candidates, including Kagame’s most vocal opponents.
Only two candidates were permitted to run against him: Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party, who received 0.53%, and independent Philippe Mpayimana, who garnered 0.32%.
Their combined vote share was lower than in the 2017 election when it exceeded 1%.
Voter turnout was exceptionally high at 98%, as reported by the electoral commission.
Human Rights Watch’s Clementine de Montjoye commented that Kagame’s “unprecedented score of over 99% reflects the restricted political space for opposition in Rwanda today” and suggested the outcome “does not bode well for legitimate and credible opposition activities.”
Despite these concerns, Kagame’s victory received praise from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who described it as a “testament to the trust and confidence” Rwandans have in Kagame’s leadership.
Rwanda, while grappling with high youth unemployment, remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
On the campaign trail, Kagame vowed to shield Rwanda from “external aggression,” amid tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Source-BBC
