Rwanda: Kagame wins fourth term, secures 99% votes in presidential poll

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has just extended his three-decade grip on power, winning a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election with 99.15% of the vote, according to provisional results.

The outcome, announced by electoral authorities, mirrors the 2017 election results, which saw Kagame take nearly 99% of the vote.

Kagame’s opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, trailed far behind, collectively garnering less than 1% of the vote.

The final results are expected to be announced by July 27, although they may be released sooner.

The 66-year-old Kagame has led Rwanda since the end of the 1994 genocide, first as vice president and de facto leader, then as president since 2000.

His rule has been marked by impressive economic growth, but also criticized for authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

Kagame’s victory was widely anticipated, as he ran virtually unopposed.

Two of his stronger critics were barred from running for high office.

Rights groups, however, continue to raise concerns over Rwanda’s harsh restrictions on human rights, including freedom of association.

Amnesty International has expressed alarm over threats, arbitrary detention, prosecution on trumped-up charges, killings, and enforced disappearances targeting political opposition and dissenting voices.

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