Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Polls open in Rwanda, incumbent Kagame widely expected to extend rule

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies + News websites
  • 15 Jul 2024 09:45
3 Min Read

Incumbent President Paul Kagame seeks a fourth seven-year term, following a 2015 constitutional amendment that extended presidential term limits.

Listen
  • x
  • Rwanda
    Incumbent President of Rwanda and Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) presidential candidate Paul Kagame arrives at his final campaign rally in Kigali, on July 13, 2024, ahead of the 2024 Rwandan general election. (AFP)

Polling stations opened on Monday across Rwanda for presidential and parliamentary elections, in which Paul Kagame is widely anticipated to extend his leadership of the central African nation.

This marks the fourth presidential election since the genocide 30 years ago that claimed the lives of more than 800,000 people, primarily from the Tutsi ethnic minority.

Kagame, who commanded the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in defeating Hutu extremists and ending the genocide, was appointed president by parliament in 2000 following the resignation of Pasteur Bizimungu. He has since secured over 90% of the vote in the 2003, 2010, and 2017 elections.

Kagame seeks a fourth seven-year term, following a 2015 constitutional amendment that extended presidential term limits. He is praised for transforming Rwanda into a united nation and a regional business hub, though critics argue that his administration suppresses free speech and human rights in the country of 13 million, of whom more than nine million are eligible to vote in Monday’s election.

Abroad, Rwanda faces accusations of destabilizing the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. A UN report alleges that Rwandan troops are collaborating with M23 rebels in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the country.

The incumbent president’s opponents in this election include Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, both of whom he faced in 2017. Rwanda’s national electoral commission disqualified six other candidates, including prominent Kagame critics Victoire Ingabire, Diane Rwigara, and Bernard Ntaganda.

Kagame's campaign has focused on themes of security, stability, unity, and economic development.

Related News

Gabon's President Nguema in Congo to improve ties, ease isolation

Central Africa: foreign aircraft targets troops and Russian allies

“We chose to rebuild ourselves and our country, which was destroyed by bad politics and irresponsible leaders,” he stated at a rally in Gakenke on Thursday.

“As for you, you have rebuilt yourselves, you have built your skills, and you have competent leaders at all levels. Therefore, you must do everything possible to ensure that Rwanda continues its path towards sustainable progress.”

Habineza, a former RPF member, is campaigning for tax and land policy reforms and the modernization of agriculture.

Mpayimana, a senior expert in the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement and a former journalist, advocates for downsizing parliament, increasing agricultural productivity, and improving education and student welfare. Both candidates received less than 1% of the vote in the last election.

Ahead of the election, Amnesty International reported that Rwanda's opposition faces "severe restrictions... as well as threats, arbitrary detention, prosecution, trumped-up charges, killings, and enforced disappearances."

Analysts suggest that Habineza and Mpayimana lack the name recognition, financial resources, and organizational capacity to pose a significant challenge to Kagame this time around. The RPF has been the ruling party since 1994 and holds 75% of the parliamentary seats.

The Guardian cited David Kiwuwa, an associate professor at the University of Nottingham, as saying that Rwanda operates as a dominant party system with the RPF occupying a predominant political space, leaving no foreseeable challengers.

Additionally, Rwandans are voting for members of the lower house of parliament, with election results expected later in the week.

  • Central Africa
  • Rwanda
  • Paul Kagame

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS