Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-09 17:30:42
Rwanda’s ruling party has officially selected President Paul Kagame as its candidate for the upcoming July election. This decision sets the stage for a contest that is widely anticipated to result in Kagame serving a fourth seven-year term as the leader of the African nation. At 66 years old, Kagame has been at the helm of Rwanda for many years, having previously won the presidency in elections held in 2003, 2010, and 2017, with more than 90 percent of the vote each time.
The main contender challenging Kagame in the upcoming polls is Frank Habineza, the leader of the opposition Green Party. Habineza, who is 47 years old and a member of parliament, garnered only 0.45 percent of the vote in the 2017 election, where he came in third place. The election was marred by irregularities and allegations of voter intimidation, as highlighted by various rights groups. Another potential challenger to Kagame, Victoire Ingabire, the leader of the unregistered Dalfa Umurunzi (Development And Liberty For All) movement, has been disqualified from running for the presidency due to a previous conviction. A court ruling on her eligibility to contest the election is scheduled for March 13.
Rwanda is set to hold both presidential and parliamentary elections on July 15, following the government’s decision last year to align the dates of these key votes. The process will also include the selection of twenty-four women MPs, two youth representatives, and a representative for disabled Rwandans through electoral colleges and committees on July 16. Campaigning for candidates will be permitted from June 22 until July 12, as outlined in the official election calendar.
Despite its reputation as one of the most stable countries in Africa, Rwanda has faced criticism from rights groups for its alleged lack of political freedoms. Some organizations accuse Kagame of governing with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and restricting freedom of speech within the country.
As Rwanda prepares for the upcoming election, all eyes will be on the contest between Kagame and his rivals, hoping for a peaceful and transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the Rwandan people.
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