Paul Kagame Secures Landslide Victory Amid Election Controversy

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has been re-elected with 99.18% of the vote, the National Electoral Commission announced Thursday, extending his rule to nearly a quarter-century.

The opposition candidates – Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana – conceded defeat. Rights groups criticized the election for a crackdown on journalists, opposition, and civil society, but the government denied these allegations. National Electoral Commission chair Oda Gasinzigwa confirmed a 98.20% voter turnout among the nine million registered voters.

Final results will be announced by July 27. Kagame's re-election follows his significant role in ending the 1994 genocide and transforming Rwanda into an investment hub, though his tenure is tainted by charges of internal abuses and support for Congolese rebels – accusations he denies. Eight other candidates were disqualified, including prominent critics, due to incomplete registration documents.

(With inputs from agencies.)