Kagame Secures Another Term in Rwandan Election with Overwhelming Support

Recent partial results reveal that Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s President, has successfully achieved a resounding victory in the elections held on July 15, 2024. This triumph extends his grip on power for an additional five years, solidifying his authoritarian regime.

Having steered the nation since the conclusion of the 1994 genocide and taken on the official title of president in 2000, Kagame garnered an astonishing 99.15% of the votes, as reported by the National Election Commission, with 79% of the ballots counted.

This figure eclipses the 98.79% he recorded during the 2017 elections, leaving his two officially recognized rivals far behind in the dust.

At the SOS Gacuriro school in Kigali, Kagame and his family participated in the voting process. (AA Photo)

Frank Habineza, representing the Democratic Green Party, managed to secure a mere 0.53% of the votes, while independent contender Philippe Mpayimana followed closely with 0.32%.

This anticipated outcome comes amid widespread allegations that Kagame’s administration curtails media freedoms, stifles political dissent, and excludes numerous prominent critics from the electoral contest.

In his post-election address from the headquarters of his ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Kagame conveyed gratitude to the Rwandan populace, heralding the commencement of his fourth term.

“These results reflect a monumental score; these are not just digits. Even if it was 100%, it’s not merely numbers,” he affirmed.

“These figures signify trust, and that is the crux of the matter,” he elaborated. “I am optimistic that together we can tackle all challenges.”

The complete provisional results are expected by July 20, while final tallies will be released by July 27.

Interestingly, with a staggering 65% of the population aged under 30, most Rwandans have known Kagame as their only leader.

The 66-year-old is acknowledged for revitalizing a nation scarred by genocide, yet he faces criticism for maintaining a climate of fear domestically and for allegedly stirring unrest in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Remarkable Victory Margin

Over nine million Rwandans were eligible to vote, including approximately two million first-timers. The presidential election coincided with legislative elections for the very first time.

Francois Rwabakina, a 34-year-old mechanic, remarked, “Kagame provides us with everything we desire, like health insurance. That’s why he wins by such a wide margin.”

Kagame has scored over 93% in previous elections held in 2003, 2010, and 2017, consistently overcoming the same two challengers.

Under his governance, controversial constitutional adjustments have been made, reducing presidential terms from seven to five years and resetting the political clock, granting him a potential rule until 2034.

Opposition figures Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire had appeals rejected by Rwandan courts, challenges that aimed to overturn previous convictions barring them from participating in the election.

Moreover, high-profile Kagame critic Diane Rwigara was excluded again due to alleged paperwork issues, marking the second time she has faced disqualification.

Polished Propaganda Mechanism

The disparity among candidates became glaringly apparent during a three-week campaign period, as the efficient RPF publicity machinery gained momentum.

Adorned in the party’s emblematic colors of red, white, and blue, slogans such as “Tora Kagame Paul” (“Vote Paul Kagame”) and “PK24” (“Paul Kagame 2024”) were omnipresent.

In stark contrast, Kagame’s opponents struggled to attract a crowd, with some events drawing fewer than 100 attendees.

Despite limited turnout at his rallies, Habineza proclaimed a “fair and free atmosphere.”

“This reflects the progress of democracy in our nation. We managed to campaign across the entire country,” he stated to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Kagame’s RPF militia is hailed for halting the genocide in 1994, effectively ousting Hutu extremists responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths—mainly Tutsi individuals but also moderate Hutus.

While Kagame is credited with substantial economic recovery, averaging a GDP growth of 7.2% per year between 2012 and 2022, the World Bank reports that nearly half the populace survives on less than $2.15 daily.

Prior to the elections, Amnesty International highlighted severe restrictions faced by Rwanda’s political opposition, which included threats, arbitrary detention, and even enforced disappearances.

On the international stage, Kigali has faced accusations of interference in the tumultuous eastern DRC, including claims that Rwandan troops are actively engaging with M23 rebels.

Additionally, allegations persist regarding mass killings of Hutu individuals in the DRC during the pursuit of those who fled following the genocide.

Discussions around these atrocities are deemed sensitive, often branded as “genocide revisionism” within Rwandan borders.

In the concurrent parliamentary elections, a total of 589 candidates competed for 80 seats, with 53 being elected through universal suffrage. The outgoing assembly featured the RPF holding 40 seats and its allies securing 11, whereas Habineza’s party maintained just two.

Furthermore, 27 seats are reserved for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

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