President Paul Kagame has extended 30 years of reign with a 4th term election win.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Paul Kagame of Rwanda is preparing for a fourth term in office, having secured an overwhelming 99.15 per cent of the vote in an election that featured just two opponents against him.
This Nigeria news platform understands that the results of the election held on Monday were clear from the start, with Kagame dominating Rwanda with a strong grip as both the de facto leader and president for three decades.
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Candidates from the Democratic Green Party and independents, Philippe Mpayimana and Frank Habineza, respectively, managed to secure only 0.53 per cent and 0.32 per cent of the vote, with 79 per cent of the ballots counted.
Kagame, however, according to the election commission, had won 99.15 per cent of the vote, surpassing the 98.79 per cent he had won in the previous election seven years prior.
Seven hours after the polls ended on Monday, Kagame, in a speech from his party’s headquarters, thanked the Rwandan people for their support in extending his term for another five years.
“The results that have been presented indicate a very high score, these are not just figures, even if it was 100 per cent, these are not just numbers.
“These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems.”
“In general, the electoral process happened in a safe and transparent atmosphere for Rwandans living abroad and at home,” the National Electoral Commission said in a statement,” he added.
With 65% of the population under the age of 30, Kagame is the sole leader that the majority of Rwandans have ever experienced.
Kagame, a 66-year-old leader, is recognized for rebuilding a nation that was deeply affected by the 1994 genocide.
However, he is also accused of governing through a climate of fear within the country and contributing to instability in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Over nine million Rwandans, including approximately two million first-time voters, were registered to participate in the presidential race, which was held concurrently with legislative elections for the first time.
NewsOnline Nigeria understands that Kagame won with more than 93 per cent of the vote in 2003, 2010 and 2017, when he again easily defeated the same two challengers.
