President Paul Kagame has secured 99% of the vote in provisional results from Monday’s presidential election, according to Rwandan electoral authorities.
This outcome was widely expected as Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda since 1994, seeks to extend his nearly three-decade grip on power.
His opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, collectively garnered less than 1% of the vote in the provisional results, which account for 79% of all ballots cast.
The final results are anticipated by July 27, though they could be announced sooner.
This election result mirrors the 2017 outcome, where Kagame also took nearly 99% of the vote. At 66, Kagame has been a central figure in Rwandan politics since leading the rebel forces that ended the genocide in 1994.
Despite facing criticism for authoritarian practices, he has been praised for fostering economic growth.
Kagame’s extended rule was enabled by a 2015 referendum that lifted presidential term limits, potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2034.
However, his leadership continues to be scrutinized for alleged human rights abuses and political suppression, as highlighted by organizations like Amnesty International.
