With 79% of the ballots counted, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has won more than 99% of the vote during Monday’s (15 July) presidential election, according to electoral authorities, putting him on course to serve a fourth term as the country’s leader. Kagame has won every election since 2000 and he is set for a fourth term in office, an outcome that was widely expected as the east African country’s long-time ruler aims to extend this three-decade grip on power. After two of his stronger critics were blocked from running for high office, this year’s result mirrors the outcome Kagame achieved in 2017, when he took nearly 99% of the vote. In a recent campaign rally, Kagame told supporters a lot has been done but more is possible if they choose him again. Final results are expected by 27 July, although they could be announced sooner.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 16, 2024 14:03 UTC