KIGALI, Rwanda — In a landslide victory, President Paul Kagame has been re-elected for another term, according to the nation’s electoral body. The Rwandan Electoral Commission announced that Kagame secured an overwhelming 99.1% of the votes cast in the recent presidential election.
The election results, announced on Friday by the Electoral Commission chairman, highlighted that Kagame garnered a staggering 7,099,810 votes out of the total ballots cast. His closest rival managed to secure a mere 38,301 votes, illustrating the overwhelming margin of Kagame’s victory.
This election marks another decisive mandate for Kagame, who has been at the helm of Rwandan politics since 2000. His leadership has been credited with steering the country through significant economic growth and stability after the devastating genocide in 1994.
Supporters of Kagame celebrated in the streets of Kigali, the capital city, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the incumbent president. Observers noted that the high voter turnout and Kagame’s dominant victory underscored his continued popularity and the perceived stability he brings to the nation.
International observers, while acknowledging Kagame’s widespread support, have also raised concerns about the lack of viable opposition in the election. Critics argue that the election process did not provide a level playing field for opposition candidates, with reports of intimidation and restrictions on political freedoms.
Responding to the election results, President Kagame expressed gratitude to the Rwandan people for their overwhelming support and reiterated his commitment to further advancing the nation’s development goals. He pledged to continue focusing on economic prosperity, social cohesion, and maintaining Rwanda’s position as a stable nation in the East African region.
The official inauguration ceremony for President Kagame’s new term is expected to take place in the coming weeks, as he prepares to lead Rwanda into another chapter of its post-genocide recovery and economic growth.
In conclusion, Kagame’s landslide victory in the presidential election solidifies his position as a dominant figure in Rwandan politics, while also prompting renewed scrutiny over the state of political pluralism and democratic freedoms in the country.
