Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has broken his own record by winning Monday’s elections with more than 99% of the vote, according to full provisional results. This victory surpasses his previous records: 98.63% in the 2017 election, 93% in 2010, and 95% in 2003.
Criticism and Support
Critics argue that Kagame’s overwhelming majorities are unsurprising due to his authoritarian rule. Conversely, his supporters attribute these results to his immense popularity, citing the stability and economic growth Rwanda has experienced under his leadership.
Historical Background
Paul Kagame is a former rebel commander whose forces came to power in 1994, ending a genocide that resulted in approximately 800,000 deaths over 100 days.
Election Dynamics
The electoral commission disqualified at least three presidential aspirants, including Kagame’s most vocal critics, from participating in the election. Only two candidates were allowed to contest against him:
- Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party
- Independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana
They received 0.53% and 0.32% of the vote, respectively, performing worse than in the 2017 election when their combined vote exceeded 1%. Voter turnout was notably high at 98%, as reported by the electoral commission.
Reactions
Clementine de Montjoye from Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that Kagame’s unprecedented score of over 99% reflects the extremely limited political space for the opposition in Rwanda today. She added that this outcome does not bode well for those seeking to engage in legitimate and credible opposition activities.
In contrast, Kagame’s victory was praised by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who described the re-election as a testament to the trust and confidence Rwandans have in Kagame’s leadership.
Economic Context and Campaign Promises
Despite high rates of youth unemployment, Rwanda remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. On the campaign trail, Kagame pledged to protect Rwanda from “external aggression” amid tensions with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What percentage of the vote did President Paul Kagame win in the recent election?
- A) 98%
- B) 99%
- C) 95%
- D) 100%
- Answer: B) 99%
- How did Kagame’s 2017 election win percentage compare to his 2010 and 2003 results?
- A) Lower than 2010 but higher than 2003
- B) Higher than both 2010 and 2003
- C) Lower than both 2010 and 2003
- D) The same as 2010 and 2003
- Answer: B) Higher than both 2010 and 2003
- What was the voter turnout in the recent election according to the electoral commission?
- A) 95%
- B) 97%
- C) 98%
- D) 99%
- Answer: C) 98%
- Which candidates were allowed to run against Paul Kagame in the recent election?
- A) Frank Habineza and Diane Rwigara
- B) Victoire Ingabire and Philippe Mpayimana
- C) Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana
- D) Diane Rwigara and Victoire Ingabire
- Answer: C) Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana
- What was Clementine de Montjoye’s perspective on Kagame’s election victory?
- A) It signifies a strong opposition presence
- B) It reflects limited political space for the opposition
- C) It shows the trust of the Rwandan people
- D) It indicates fair and free elections
- Answer: B) It reflects limited political space for the opposition