Rwandans are heading to the polls in an election that is likely to see President Paul Kagame secure a fourth term in office virtually unopposed. Kagame, who has been in power for three decades, faces minimal opposition from challengers Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, with his victory widely anticipated following his overwhelming win in the 2017 election.
Kagame, a former rebel leader who took control of Rwanda's government and ended the 1994 genocide, has ruled the country with an authoritarian grip, stifling political dissent. The election comes amid concerns of insecurity in the Great Lakes region, with Rwandan forces reportedly involved in fighting alongside rebels in eastern Congo.
Rights groups have raised alarms over restrictions on human rights in Rwanda, including limitations on freedom of association and political dissent. Critics accuse Kagame of suppressing opposition voices and limiting the space for debate in the country.
Despite criticisms, Kagame's supporters point to his government's achievements in reducing poverty, expanding medical insurance coverage, and transforming the capital city of Kigali into a modern metropolis. Many Rwandans view Kagame's strong leadership as a guarantee against a return to the political turmoil that led to the genocide.
While some citizens express a desire for change due to ongoing challenges such as lack of basic services, others remain steadfast in their support for Kagame, citing his role in maintaining stability and progress in the country.
The election is expected to extend Kagame's rule for another five years, with millions of Rwandans registered to vote. Despite criticisms of the electoral process and human rights violations, Kagame continues to defend the importance of democracy and the freedom to choose.
As Rwandans cast their votes, the outcome seems all but certain, reaffirming Kagame's enduring influence and the complex dynamics of politics in the region.
