Rwanda Votes: Kagame Poised for Extension of Long Rule

Rwandans are voting in a presidential election likely to extend President Paul Kagame's rule, in power since 1994. With 9.5 million registered voters, provisional results are expected shortly. Kagame faces minimal opposition from Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana. Kagame’s leadership has been marked by significant growth but also criticized for authoritarianism.

Rwandans went to the polls on Monday in a presidential election that is expected to extend President Paul Kagame's lengthy tenure, having held power since 1994. In the capital, Kigali, voters arrived as early as 5 a.m., forming long lines at various polling stations.

First-time voter and motorcyclist Jean Claude Nkurunziza expressed his support for Kagame, noting the president’s unparalleled leadership. Election authorities have registered 9.5 million voters out of the country's 14 million population, with provisional results anticipated later on Monday. Kagame is expected to win by a large margin, running virtually unopposed against Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, both of whom struggled to gain significant support.

Habineza remarked that his party has improved and is hopeful for better performance, while Kagame, who has been at the helm since ending Rwanda's 1994 genocide, remains a polarizing figure — praised for economic growth but condemned for his authoritarian style. Amid calls for term limits, Kagame secured a referendum in 2015 allowing him potentially to stay in power until 2034.