Rwandan President Paul Kagame is set to extend his 24-year rule by another five years after he secured 99.15% of the vote with about 79% of ballots counted. His two opponents, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, garnered less than 1% combined. According to the electoral commission, there was a massive voter turnout with 98% of 9.5 million eligible voters exercising their right at the polls. The outcome mirrors the 2017 election, where Kagame won with 98.8% of the vote. During an address at his party’s headquarters, he thanked Rwandans for trusting him as reflected in the election’s results. Kagame’s victory did not come as a surprise, especially since leading opposition figures, including Diane Rwigara, were banned from contesting. The full provisional results are expected by 20 July, with final results due by 27 July.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
