Voters in Rwanda headed to the polls on Monday to elect their next president, with the 66-year-old incumbent, Paul Kagame, expected to secure another term in office. Kagame, who has ruled the central African country for nearly a quarter of a century, is widely anticipated to emerge victorious in this election.
Polling centres opened at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) for the more than 9 million eligible voters to cast their ballots for both the president and lawmakers. Provisional results are expected by July 20, giving the nation a few days to await the official outcome.
On the streets of Rwanda, the sentiment among most voters seemed overwhelmingly in favor of Kagame. Many expressed their appreciation for his leadership, highlighting his efforts to prioritize development and implement effective social services. Kagame’s administration is credited with transforming Rwanda from the devastation of the 1994 genocide into a stable and rapidly developing nation.
“I am voting for Kagame because he has brought us peace and development. He has made our country safe and prosperous,” said one voter in Kigali, the capital city.
The country of 14 million people has seen significant economic growth and improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure under Kagame’s rule. However, his long tenure and the lack of strong political opposition have raised concerns among some about the state of democracy in Rwanda.
Kagame first took power in 2000, and since then, he has been a dominant figure in Rwandan politics. His government has been praised for its achievements in rebuilding the country, but it has also faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies and suppression of political dissent.
The election process itself has been smooth, with voters lining up early to cast their ballots. The National Electoral Commission has ensured that all necessary measures are in place to facilitate a fair and transparent voting process.
As the country waits for the provisional results, the focus remains on Kagame and his anticipated continued leadership. For many Rwandans, his victory symbolizes ongoing stability and progress, while for others, it underscores the need for a more open political landscape.
The coming days will reveal the official results, but for now, the expectation is clear: Paul Kagame is poised to extend his rule and continue steering Rwanda on its path of development and growth.
