Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, has swept to another overwhelming election victory, winning more than 99% of votes in a provisional count in the east African country’s elections that will extend his near quarter of a century in power.
The poll on Monday was seen as a formality, with just two other candidates allowed to compete in a country that is kept under tight control by its longtime leader.
With 79% of ballots counted, the president had secured 99.15%, the election commission said, seven hours after polls closed.
Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green party secured just 0.53% of the vote, while the independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana got 0.32%.
“The results that have been presented indicate a very high score, these are not just figures; even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers,” Kagame said in an address from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party.
“These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems.”
Kagame led the RPF when it was a rebel group, defeating extremist Hutu forces and ending the 1994 genocide that killed more than 800,000 people, mostly members of the Tutsi ethnic minority.
He became vice-president and defence minister and was elected president by parliament in 2000 after Pasteur Bizimungu resigned.
Since then Kagame has won more than 90% of the vote in Rwanda’s previous three elections – in 2003, 2010 and 2017. Constitutional amendments have shortened presidential terms to five years and allowed him to rule until 2034.
The 66-year-old has been credited with bringing unity, stability and development to the small, landlocked country. But critics have accused his administration of suppressing dissent and trampling on human rights.
At least five opposition politicians and four government critics and journalists have died or disappeared in suspicious circumstances since the 2017 election, according to Human Rights Watch. Rwandan officials have denied any wrongdoing.
Emmanuel Kwibuka, a taxi driver in the capital, Kigali, said he was not surprised by the landslide. “For me, this is not a miracle,” he said. “Rwandans who have witnessed achievements under Kagame do appreciate. The world is also watching what Rwandans have.”
Peter Hakizimana, a casual labourer, praised the medical insurance that he and his family now have access to. “I grew up before Kagame came to power and we didn’t have such privileges. I support him because he has ruled us so well,” he said.
The US and the UN have previously accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a conflict that has caused a humanitarian crisis. Kagame has denied the allegations.
More than 9 million Rwandans were registered to vote, according to the electoral commission, with about 2 million of them first-time voters.
Final election results are due on 27 July, with full provisional results on 20 July.
Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.
Source: theguardian.com
