KIGALI - Millions of Rwandans voted in presidential and parliamentary elections on Monday, with the African nation’s leader Paul Kagame widely expected to cruise to victory and extend his iron-fisted rule for another five years. With 65 percent of the population aged under 30, Kagame -- who is running for a fourth term -- is the only leader most Rwandans have ever known. He has overseen controversial constitutional amendments that shortened presidential terms from seven to five years and reset the clock for the Rwandan leader, allowing him to potentially rule until 2034. The election commission also barred high-profile Kagame critic Diane Rwigara, citing issues with her paperwork -- the second time she was excluded from running. The red, white and blue colours of the RPF and its slogans “Tora Kagame Paul” (“Vote Paul Kagame”) and “PK24” “Paul Kagame 2024”) are everywhere.

Source: The Nation July 16, 2024 13:21 UTC