Rwanda's 2024 Election: Paul Kagame's Victory with 99% votes

President Paul Kagame won 99.15% of votes in the July 15, 2024 presidential and legislative elections, with 9.5 million Rwandans registered. Kagame, 66, has been in power since 1994 and has won previous elections with over 93% of votes.

Election Results and Process

President Paul Kagame won 99.15% of votes in provisional results
Election held in Rwanda on July 15, 2024
Two opponents collectively received less than 1% of votes:
- Frank Habineza (Democratic Green Party): 0.53%
- Philippe Mpayimana (Independent): 0.32%
79% of ballots counted in provisional results
Final results expected by July 27, 2024
9.5 million Rwandans registered to vote out of 14 million population
Simultaneous presidential and legislative elections for the first time
National Electoral Commission declared the process "safe and transparent"

Paul Kagame's Political Career and Influence

Age: 66 years old
In power since 1994, first as de facto leader, then as president since 2000
Won previous elections with over 93% of votes in 2003, 2010, and 2017
Led the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) that ended the 1994 genocide
Constitutional amendments allow him to potentially rule until 2034
Credited with rebuilding Rwanda after the genocide
Praised for impressive economic growth (7.2% average GDP growth from 2012-2022)
Criticized for authoritarian rule and suppression of opposition
Accused of meddling in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo

Election Context and Controversies

Only two challengers allowed to run against Kagame
Stronger critics blocked from running:
- Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire: previous convictions disqualified them
- Diane Rwigara: barred due to paperwork issues
Amnesty International raised concerns about restrictions on political opposition
Reports of threats, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances
Imbalance in campaign visibility between Kagame and opponents
UN report accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels in eastern Congo

Rwanda's Current Situation and Future Outlook

65% of the population under 30 years old
Kagame is the only leader most Rwandans have known
Economic progress: GDP growth of 7.2% per year between 2012 and 2022
Poverty concerns: World Bank reports almost half the population lives on less than $2.15 a day
Parliamentary election held simultaneously:
- 589 candidates competing for 80 seats
- 53 seats elected by universal suffrage
- 27 seats reserved for women, youth, and people with disabilities
Previous parliament dominated by RPF (40 seats) and allies (11 seats)
Kagame's supporters praise his leadership in development and security
Critics worry about lack of political freedom and human rights issues

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