Rwanda Presidential Election: Vote Counting Begins, Kagame Poised for Long-Term Tenure
In Rwanda, the counting of votes has started following the closure of polling stations on Monday in a presidential election that is expected to extend the long tenure of President Paul Kagame. The election, which saw Kagame face minimal opposition, has been marked by concerns over regional insecurity and restrictions on human rights and freedoms.
According to election authorities, 9.5 million Rwandans are registered to vote out of a population of 14 million. Provisional results are expected to be announced later on Monday. Kagame, who has led the country since 1994, has been both praised for Rwanda’s post-genocide growth and criticized for authoritarian tendencies.
In 2015, a referendum allowed Kagame to potentially stay in power until 2034. The election has taken place amidst regional insecurity, particularly involving M23 rebels in eastern Congo, with allegations of Rwandan support. Rights groups have also raised concerns over Rwanda’s restrictions on human rights and freedoms.
Key dates for election results include:
- July 15: Partial presidential election results
- July 16: Provisional parliamentary results
- By July 20: Provisional results for both presidential and parliamentary elections
- By July 27: Final results for both elections.
As the counting of votes continues, the outcome of the election is expected to cement Kagame’s position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
