Voting begins in Rwanda to elect president

Rwandans across the country and the diaspora turned up on Monday to cast their votes in a presidential election that is expected to extend Paul Kagame's 24-year governance.

Kagame, 67, is facing two contenders in the presidential race — Frank Habineza, 47, chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Philippe Mpayimana, 54, independent candidate and a journalist by profession.

Many Rwandans said they would vote for Kagame, calling him a transformative leader who has steered Rwanda's economy to growth after the 1994 genocide that left the country in ruins. Rwanda is currently one of the fastest-growing countries in Africa.

According to the World Bank, Rwanda's economy is projected to grow by an average of 7.2 percent in 2024-26.

Kagame has been enjoying wide support since he took power in 2000.He won nearly 99 percent of the votes in the previous election in 2017.

Ismael Buchanan, dean of the College of Business and Economics at the University of Rwanda, expressed confidence that Kagame will be reelected.

He said Kagame's popularity among the Rwandans is largely due to the fact that he is seen by many as a hero who united Rwandans following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and is a champion worldwide on matters such as gender equality.

Buchanan said Kagame's expected reelection is a signal of further stability not only in Rwanda, but also for neighboring countries.

"Kagame campaigned on a promise to sustain inclusive development, security and change people's livelihoods for the better without leaving anyone behind," he said.

Buchanan also said Kagame has a track record of transforming the country into a regional financial hub.

Additionally, Rwanda has been recognized as one of the cleanest countries not only in Africa, but also globally with a stable economy.

"The Rwandans want to continue enjoying security, political stability, unity and economic development, which are the core issues concerning Rwandans," Buchanan said.

He said Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front party enjoys the support of major opposition groups that formed a coalition to support his candidacy, hence an assurance that he will be reelected.

The United States and several Western countries have accused Rwanda of human rights abuses.

However, Buchanan disputed the claims saying that those who are accusing Kagame should present concrete and tangible facts, adding that the accusers' motives may undermine what Rwandans have achieved through spreading disinformation.