Current Affairs-Topics

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

More Related Articles

Storm Petrel Missile Russia

In a major strategic breakthrough, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the successful test of the Storm Petrel missile in Russia, officially known as the Burevestnik missile (9M730). Th

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN 2025

On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste joins ASEAN 2025 officially as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This historic inclusion was formalised during the ASEAN Summi

Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025

The Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025 is one of the most anticipated global spiritual events of the decade. Scheduled from November 4 to 19, 2025, in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, this two-week

US–China Trade War 2025

The US–China Trade War 2025 has once again captured global attention as high-level officials from both nations convened in Kuala Lumpur for critical negotiations. These talks, held on th

Russia Nuclear Readiness Test 2025

On 22 October 2025, Russia conducted a comprehensive nuclear readiness test, under the direct supervision of President Vladimir Putin, involving strategic missile launches from land, sea, and air.

NZ Social Media Ban 2025

In a significant move reflecting growing global concerns about teen mental health and online safety, New Zealand is set to debate legislation that would restrict social media access for children u

Tuvalu Biodiversity Overview

The Government of Tuvalu has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its 90th State Member. This significant development highlights the growing global attent

Middle East Peace Effort 2025

The Middle East peace effort 2025 has taken a historic turn with former US President Donald Trump being recognised for his pivotal role in mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli P

Historic Rise of Sanae Takaichi

In a historic moment for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, breaking one of the country’s most enduring political glass ceilings

India Mongolia Relations Explained

The President of Mongolia recently undertook a state visit to India, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the India-Mongolia strategic partne

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham