Thirty years after leading the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to capture power and end the genocide against the Tutsi, President Paul Kagame was re-elected to a fourth term with a decisive 99% of the vote. This result underscores Kagame’s overwhelming dominance in Rwanda, where he has served as president since 2000.

The July 15 election saw an extraordinary turnout, with nine out of every ten voters supporting Kagame. Voter participation hit 98% across the 2,500 polling stations. In contrast, the other candidates—Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent—received less than 1% of the combined vote. The election was marked by a lack of surprises, differing from the more tumultuous political landscapes seen in neighboring countries like Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.

Two days before the election, Kagame held a major campaign rally at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kicukiro, Kigali. Approximately 50,000 supporters, dressed in RPF colors, eagerly awaited their leader’s speech. Kagame, appearing in RPF-branded attire and arriving in a military Jeep with a heavy security presence, addressed the enthusiastic crowd. He praised their unity and excitement, describing the event as a “political phenomenon.”

The rally was the culmination of a three-week campaign that energized many Rwandans. Young people, particularly from Generation Z, have shown strong support for Kagame and the RPF. For this generation, Kagame is the only leader they have known. The National Electoral Commission of Rwanda reported that out of nine million registered voters, two million were voting for the first time. Among them was Aline Niwemwali, a high school student who proudly cast her first vote at Gacuriro Technical Secondary School, where Kagame also voted with his family.

Rwandans turned out in large numbers, including those abroad who voted from Rwandan embassies. The election process was marked by a strong sense of national unity and resolve, reflecting the extensive mobilization efforts of the RPF, which has governed Rwanda for three decades. Kigali and other areas were filled with RPF paraphernalia, including flags, billboards, and slogans like “Tora Kagame” and “PK2024.” The atmosphere was reminiscent of the 2017 campaign but amplified by the widespread use of social media.

Kagame’s campaign emphasized the progress made since the 1994 genocide and called for national unity and self-belief. During his rallies, he reminded Rwandans of their achievements and the importance of working together. In Huye district, he reflected on his past as a refugee and vowed that no Rwandan would be kept outside the country again.

Despite Kagame’s strong support, opposition figures have raised concerns about the political environment in Rwanda. Diane Rwigara, who was barred from running for president due to insufficient signatures, and Victoire Ingabire, who has criticized the lack of genuine political competition, argue that Rwanda’s political space is not fully open. Ingabire has called for governance reforms to achieve genuine democratization.

Kagame, however, views the election results as a reflection of the trust the Rwandan people have in him. At an RPF watch party on election night, he expressed that even a 100% vote would symbolize trust rather than mere numbers. Kagame has been praised for fostering reconciliation and building functional institutions in Rwanda, and he has repeatedly emphasized that his focus remains on leading the country effectively.

Looking ahead, Kagame has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his potential departure from power. He has urged the RPF to prepare future leaders and encouraged young people to take up responsibility. Kagame, eligible to run again in 2029, has indicated that he will continue to lead as long as he is trusted by the people. He remains confident that Rwanda will continue to progress, even as questions about his eventual successor linger.