Kagame on track for unopposed re-election as campaigning comes to close Saturday
Rwandan President Paul Kagame of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) waves to his supporters during his final campaign rally in Kigali, Rwanda August 2, 2017. REUTERS/Jean Bizimana
Political campaigning will conclude on Saturday, ahead of Monday’s election in Rwanda, which is expected to see President Paul Kagame, who has held power for three decades, secure another term in office, effectively unchallenged, with no strong opposition candidates in the race.
Kagame, seeking his fourth term in office, was met by crowds of admiring supporters at campaign rallies that evoked the apparent inevitability of his victory.
Frank Habineza, of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate, are facing difficulties in attracting large audiences to their rallies and events, trailing behind in popularity.
Kagame, who won 99% of the vote in 2017, is expected to dominate again in a country where meaningful opposition is scarce.
He has ruled Rwanda since 1994, when he led rebels to end the genocide, and has suppressed political dissent.
Rwanda’s election will be held amidst growing concerns about regional security in the Great Lakes region as a violent rebel group, M23, clashes with Congolese forces in eastern Congo.
A total of 9.5 million Rwandans are registered to vote, according to electoral authorities.
The President of Rwanda is elected in one round of voting by plurality.
Provisional results are expected to be released by 20 July.
