Rwanda’s National Electoral Commission announced Tuesday that the country will hold both presidential and parliamentary elections on Monday, July 15th, 2024. This marks the first time the two polls will be held concurrently, following a constitutional amendment earlier this year.
The announcement confirms that incumbent President Paul Kagame will seek a fourth term in office. The 66-year-old leader has ruled Rwanda with an iron fist for decades, initially taking power in 2000 and solidifying his control through controversial constitutional changes in 2015. These changes extend his potential tenure until 2034.
Kagame’s presidency has been characterized by both notable economic development and accusations of authoritarianism. While Rwanda boasts significant progress in areas like infrastructure and poverty reduction, human rights groups raise concerns about the stifling of dissent and free speech.
Currently, the only confirmed challenger to Kagame is Frank Habineza, leader of the opposition Green Party. Official campaigning will begin on June 22nd and continue until July 12th, providing a window for candidates to present their visions to the Rwandan electorate.
Despite the country’s economic progress and relative stability, concerns regarding human rights and political freedoms remain. The upcoming elections will be closely watched by international observers, eager to gauge the level of genuine political competition and democratic participation in Rwanda.
The merging of the presidential and parliamentary polls is a significant shift in Rwandan electoral procedure and could have lasting implications for the country’s political landscape. Whether this change will lead to greater political participation and a more open political environment remains to be seen.
