President Paul Kagame has secured an overwhelming 99% of the vote in preliminary results from Rwanda's recent presidential election, as announced by electoral authorities. These initial figures, based on 79% of ballots cast, underscore Kagame's anticipated continuation of his three-decade-long leadership.

His challengers, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, collectively garnered less than 1% of the vote, mirroring a similar outcome in 2017 when Kagame also received nearly 99% support.

Final results are scheduled for release by July 27, potentially earlier.

At 66 years old, Kagame, in power since the end of Rwanda's genocide in 1994, faced minimal opposition in this election, with two prominent critics barred from contesting high office.

Polling stations in Kigali witnessed significant turnout, with 9.5 million registered voters from Rwanda's 14 million population participating.

"This is going to be my first time to vote. I am voting for President Kagame because I have never seen a leader like him before," remarked Jean Claude Nkurunziza, a motorcyclist.

President Kagame, a former rebel leader who assumed leadership post-genocide, has been both criticized for authoritarianism and praised for overseeing Rwanda's substantial economic growth.

He has extended his tenure through constitutional amendments, including a 2015 referendum that abolished term limits, potentially enabling him to govern until 2034.

In addressing journalists before the election, Kagame affirmed his mandate from the Rwandan people, highlighting the support of the ruling party and citizens for his continued leadership.

The election unfolded amid regional instability in Africa's Great Lakes region, with Rwandan forces reportedly involved alongside rebels in eastern Congo, a situation acknowledged by United Nations experts and U.S. officials.

Despite Rwanda's economic progress, concerns persist among rights groups regarding severe limitations on human rights, such as constraints on freedom of association and expression. These groups cite instances of intimidation, arbitrary detention, and suppression of dissenting voices within political opposition, civic organizations, and the media.

Amnesty International recently emphasized these issues, noting their stifling effect on public discourse and democratic engagement within Rwanda.