Kagame faces familiar rivals as Rwanda gears up for presidential election

In Kigali, Rwanda

The political campaigns in Rwanda have entered their final stretch, with Saturday marking the last day of activities before the national election set for July 15.

There are several familiar candidates, among them incumbent President Paul Kagame, of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR)

His rivals include Frank Habineza of the opposition's Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, the same challengers he triumphed over in 2017.

Kagame, 66, has been a familiar figure in Rwandan politics since he first assumed power in 2000. Over the years, he has solidified his leadership through successive victories in the 2003, 2010, and 2017 elections.

In the last election, Kagame secured an overwhelming majority, clinching more than 98 per cent of the vote, according to official figures.

His campaign continues to emphasise inclusive development, security, and improved livelihoods, promising not to leave any Rwandan behind.

Kagame's bid for re-election follows a pivotal 2015 constitutional amendment, which permitted him to seek three additional terms. While this amendment allowed him a seven-year term in 2017, it also reduced presidential terms to five years starting in 2024.

Thousands gather in the Gahanga area of Kicukiro district in Kigali, Rwanda, where President Paul Kagame of the ruling FPR was expected to hold his final campaigns before the election, on July 13, 2024. (Photo: Amina Wako/EV)

Frank Habineza

Habineza is no stranger to the political arena.

A former legislator, he joined the recently dissolved Parliament in 2018 and has served as the president of the DGPR since August 2009.

Despite receiving only 0.48 per cent of the vote in the 2017 election, he has maintained a significant presence in Rwandan politics.

As vice chair of the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee, Habineza has been a vocal advocate for social issues. His campaign focuses on tackling food insecurity by increasing the national budget for agriculture, lowering the 16 per cent unemployment rate, and ensuring sustainable security and wealth.

The politician has initiated legislation to reduce the country’s land tax and pledges to eliminate it if elected.

Good morning dear #Rwandans , today is the last day of our campaigns finalizing @RwamaganaDistr & @Nyarugenge in Kimisagara- Centre des Jeunes at 3pm. So pleased with the level of political maturity visible all over the country🙏 #Rwanda #Rwot @DemGreenPartyRw @EdithKabalira pic.twitter.com/OEtzr6whOr

— Dr.Frank Habineza (@Drfrankhabineza) July 13, 2024

Philippe Mpayimana

Mpayimana brings a diverse background to his campaign.

A former French teacher and journalist, Mpayimana has worked as a senior expert at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement since November 2021.

In the 2017 election, he garnered 0.72 per cent of the vote.

His platform includes expanding access to student loans and advocating for increased living allowances for students, reflecting his commitment to improving education and youth welfare.

The political scene in Rwanda is dominated by the FPR and the DGPR, the only two parties fielding presidential candidates.

Rwanda's National Electoral Commission (NEC) cleared over 500 contenders to vie for 53 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Parliament.

Political parties including the Liberal Party, Social Democratic Party, Ideal Democratic Party, and the Social Party Imberakuri, are fielding parliamentary candidates, making this a highly competitive election season.

Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate for the Rwandan presidential election, speaks to press in Gikondo where he campaigned on July 12, 2024. (Photo: Amina Wako/EV)

Observation mission

Kenya's former Chief Justice David Maraga is leading the East African Community Election Observation Mission to Rwanda this year.

📍 🇷🇼 Today I officially launched and deployed the EAC observer mission of the Rwanda Elections 2024. I also handed over the team to head of observer mission Hon. Chief Justice (emeritus) David Maraga. I take the opportunity to wish the Republic of Rwanda a successful election. pic.twitter.com/cIj265vn2v

— Veronica M. Nduva, CBS (@SGNduva) July 12, 2024