Rwanda’s Presidential Election: Incumbent Paul Kagame Favored to Extend Rule

July 14, 2024|Ifunanya|Comments Off|Metro News Africa

Rwanda's Presidential Election: Incumbent Paul Kagame Favored to Extend Rule

Rwanda Presidential Election: Incumbent President Paul Kagame Set to Extend Rule

Rwanda is preparing to hold its presidential election on Monday, with incumbent President Paul Kagame all but assured of extending his rule for another five years. The election marks the end of campaigning for the three candidates vying for the country’s top seat.

Kagame, who has been in power for nearly three decades, spoke to thousands of supporters at a rally in the capital city of Kigali on Saturday, cementing his position as the favorite to win the election. The 66-year-old president used the opportunity to address the crowd, telling them that Rwanda’s unique political landscape is often misunderstood by outsiders.

"It is a political phenomenon, that is why many people outside Rwanda do not understand and carelessly speak about Rwanda," Kagame said in a mix of English and Kinyarwanda, the local language.

While Kagame’s re-election seems all but certain, his two challengers have struggled to gain traction. Frank Habineza, the candidate for the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, managed to attract only 100 supporters to his final rally. Independent contender Philippe Mpayimana also struggled to draw large crowds.

The election is being held under a tight grip of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), which has a long history of suppressing political dissent. Critics of Kagame have faced severe punishment, and political opposition is extremely rare in the country.

Despite these challenges, the election is seen as an important milestone in Rwanda’s democratic development. With a population of over 12 million people, Rwanda is a key player in regional politics, and Kagame’s re-election will likely have significant implications for the country’s domestic and foreign policy.

The election result is expected to be announced on Monday, with Kagame all but certain to emerge victorious. The election has been closely watched by regional and international observers, who will be scrutinizing the process to ensure it meets democratic standards.