MILLIONS OF RWANDANS CAST BALLOTS TO ELECT NEW PRESIDENT, LAWMAKERS

Mon 15 July 2024:

Millions of Rwandans are voting Monday to elect the next president and members of parliament, potentially granting incumbent Paul Kagame a fourth term. Over 500 candidates are competing for 80 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time for more than 9 million eligible voters.

MILLIONS OF RWANDANS CAST BALLOTS TO ELECT NEW PRESIDENT, LAWMAKERS

Read more here:https://t.co/DVxVoLNZ3T
📸 City of Kigali pic.twitter.com/mCugvZwprk

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) July 15, 2024

Kagame of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) is facing Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana. The candidates concluded their campaigns in Kigali on Saturday.

Millions of Rwandans are heading to the polls Monday to choose the next president and members of parliament in an election that could give incumbent Paul Kagame a fourth term in office.

📸 City of Kigali pic.twitter.com/kD2Tp3abSD

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) July 15, 2024

Approximately 100,000 voluntary officials are managing the election at over 2,500 voting stations. Polls close at 3 p.m., with ballot counting commencing immediately. Over 1,100 local and international observers, including those from the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), the European Union, the Commonwealth, and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), are monitoring the election.

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David Maraga, head of the EAC observation team, noted a calm political and security environment. Commentators predict a likely win for Kagame, supported by nine out of 11 opposition parties.

Long queues formed early at polling stations in Kigali. Market trader Fabrice Ntwali, voting for Kagame, praised his record of ensuring peace, security, and unity.

The election spans three days, from July 14 to 16. Rwandans abroad voted on Sunday, and special electoral colleges will elect 24 female MPs, two youth representatives, and one representative of people with disabilities on Tuesday. The government declared Monday and Tuesday public holidays to facilitate voting.

Today, Rwandans are voting in large numbers to choose their President and Members of Parliament.

Here are some photos from polling stations in Kigali. #RwandaDecides

📸 City of Kigali pic.twitter.com/PC1V3FssHW

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) July 15, 2024

Preliminary results will be announced on July 20, with final results expected by July 27. Kagame, who first took office in 2000, won the 2017 election with over 98% of the vote and is campaigning on a platform of inclusive development and security. A 2015 constitutional amendment allows him to seek three more terms, with a shift to five-year terms starting in 2024.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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