President Paul Kagame wins the fourth term as Rwandan President

According to the National Electoral Commission of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame has won the country’s presidential election for the fourth term by securing 99 per cent of the votes. According to the National Electoral Commission, 79 per cent of the votes had been counted. 

By late evening on 15 July 2024,

Paul Kagame, who has ruled the country as president since 2000, won the presidential election held in 2017 with 99 per cent of the votes. The final official result of the 2024 presidential election is expected to be announced by 27 July or before.

Paul Kagame has been elected for a fresh five-year term.

2024 Presidential Election in Rwanda  

The election to elect a new president was held in Rwanda on 15 July 2024. About 9.5 million Rwandans were registered to vote in the country’s population of 14 million. 

Around 65 per cent of the country’s population is less than 35 years of age.

Three candidates, Paul Kagame, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate  Philippe Mpayimana, were in the contest.

According to the National Electoral Commission, Habinezahas secured  0.53% of the vote, while Mpayimana secured 0.32% of the counted votes.

Paul Kagame's rule in Rwanda 

In 1994, Paul Kagame seized power in the country as head of a rebel group and took control of the government. He was the vice president of the country, and many considered him as the de facto ruler of the country till 2000. He first became the president of the country in 2000.

Paul Kagame is credited for ending the civil war in the country in which Hutu extremists killed more than 8 lakh Tutsi tribal people and moderate Hutus.

His over three-decade rule has led to an impressive growth in the country. 

Paul Kagame is also considered an authoritarian ruler who has ruthlessly silenced opposition leaders. 

He has extended his rule in the country by frequently amending the constitution. In 2015, the constitution was amended to allow the president to have a third term of seven years. After that, the president will have a term of five years for a maximum of two terms.

About Rwanda 

Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Central Africa. The country is also known as the land of a thousand hills.

Rwanda is part of the Sub-Saharan African region.

Capital: Kigali 

Currency: Rwandan franc

President : Paul Kagame