President Paul Kagame has taken a commanding lead in the Rwandan presidential election, securing 99.15% of the votes counted thus far, according to the National Electoral Commission.
The provisional results, reported by the state broadcaster Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, indicate a decisive victory for the Rwandan Patriotic Front candidate.
With 79% of the ballots tallied, Kagame’s overwhelming lead leaves his opponents trailing significantly.
Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda has garnered only 0.53% of the votes, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana has received 0.32%.
The voter turnout has been reported at an impressive 98%, underscoring the high level of public engagement in the electoral process.
The early results suggest a strong mandate for Kagame, who has been at the helm of Rwandan politics since 2000.
Kagame’s administration has been marked by significant economic growth and development, but it has also faced criticism for its stance on political dissent and freedom of expression.
Despite this, Kagame remains a highly popular figure in Rwanda, with many citizens crediting him for the country’s stability and progress.
The National Electoral Commission is expected to release the final results in the coming days. As the tallying continues, Kagame’s supporters have already begun celebrating his anticipated victory.
Analysts believe that Kagame’s likely re-election will provide continuity in Rwanda’s economic policies and development programs.
However, they also call for more inclusive governance and respect for political freedoms to ensure long-term stability and growth.
Kagame’s near-unanimous support in the early results reflects his entrenched position in Rwandan politics.
His ability to maintain such high levels of support will be a focal point of discussion in the aftermath of the election.