Rwanda’s Paul Kagame set to secure fourth term with 99% of vote
TLDR
- Rwandan President Paul Kagame wins 99% of votes to secure another five-year term, extending his long rule in East Africa.
- The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda's Frank Habineza and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana were the main contenders with very low percentages.
- Several other candidates, including prominent figures, were barred from running in the election.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame secured another five-year term after winning 99% of four-fifths of the votes counted, extending his two-and-a-half-decade rule of the East African nation.
The 66-year-old Kagame faced the same two contenders that he beat at an election seven years ago. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda secured 0.53% of the vote, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana got 0.32%, per provisional results released by the National Electoral Commission on Monday.
At least three other candidates were barred from running, including long-time critic Victoire Ingabire and businesswoman Diane Rwigara. Both have been imprisoned for crimes including terrorism and inciting insurrection.
Key Takeaways
Kagame has effectively ruled Rwanda since 1994, when he led a rebel army that ended a genocide in which about 800,000 people were killed. He was first elected to office in 2002 and has been able to extend his rule after the nation agreed in 2015 to abolish a constitutional two-term limit, potentially enabling him to remain in power until 2034. Critics accuse Kagame of human rights abuses, suffocating political competition, and stifling free speech. He receives accolades in equal measure, with many in Rwanda applauding him for rebuilding and strengthening the nation’s economy. The economic growth rate in the nation of about 13 million people has consistently been one of the fastest in Africa, and the IMF projects an annual average expansion of 7% over the next five years.
Think someone else should see this?
To invest in this opportunity and other opportunities across Africa
Download the daba finance app on your mobile through
Take action.
Download app
Start investing in Africa’s best opportunities, including stocks, bonds, startups, venture funds, and more.
Partner with us
Unlock exciting business opportunities and growth potential.
Join Daba
Become a part of our vibrant community and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Contact us
Reach out to us for inquiries, support, or collaboration.