Rwanda’s Presidential Campaign Begins with Kagame and Familiar Opponents

Rwanda’s presidential election on July 15 began with nine million registered voters, marking the first time it runs concurrently with legislative elections.

Paul Kagame, first elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2003, 2010, and 2017, is up against Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana as his contenders.

Opposition figures such as Victoire Ingabire and Bernard Ntaganda are ineligible to run due to prior convictions.

A constitutional amendment in 2015 permits Kagame to potentially extend his term until 2034 if he wins the election. The legislative elections align with the presidential race, featuring over 500 candidates competing for 80 parliamentary seats.