Rwandans are participating in a presidential election on Monday, with President Paul Kagame seeking to extend his long tenure in power. The voting process saw some citizens in the capital Kigali lining up as early as 5 a.m., eager to cast their ballots.
With 9.5 million registered voters out of a population of 14 million, the election is expected to result in a victory for Kagame, who faces minimal opposition. His main challengers, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, have struggled to gain significant support.
Kagame, who has been in power since 1994, is known for his authoritarian leadership style. Despite criticism, he has overseen substantial economic growth in Rwanda since the genocide of 1994.
The president's ability to remain in office has been extended through changes to term limits, allowing him to potentially stay in power until 2034. Kagame defended his decision to run for another term, citing the support of the ruling party and the Rwandan people.
However, the election occurs against a backdrop of regional insecurity, with reports of Rwandan forces supporting rebels in eastern Congo. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about restrictions on freedoms in Rwanda, including limitations on political opposition and the press.
Despite these challenges, Rwandans are exercising their right to vote in a crucial election that will shape the country's future under Kagame's continued leadership.
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