This announcement was made on July 15, 2024, following the participation of Rwandans both within the country and abroad who voted for the President and 53 Members of Parliament from various political parties and independent candidates.
Other presidential candidates include Dr. Frank Habineza of the DGPR party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
According to partial results; Dr. Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda received 0.53% of the votes, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana got 0.32%.
The Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission, Oda Gasinzigwa, noted that the elections were conducted smoothly and that the voter turnout was impressive.
“We greatly appreciate all Rwandans, both in Rwanda and abroad, for their participation in the elections, achieving an impressive turnout rate of 98%,” she stated.
By Monday, 7,160,864 votes had been counted, with an expected turnout of over nine million Rwandans and 98% voter turnout, according to Gasinzigwa. NEC will announce provisional results on July 20, with final results expected on July 27.
He said, “We commend the voters on the way they conducted themselves during the voting process. It was smooth and successful,” Munyaneza said in an interview with IGIHE shortly after the election.
He also commended the political parties for respecting the rules and regulations regarding the campaigning process and the voting exercise.
“Today, we did not see any campaigning activities on the streets, at polling stations, or elsewhere, and we thank those who contributed to this,” he emphasized.
Munyaneza noted that although voting commenced beyond the stipulated time in some parts of the country, voter turnout at most polling stations was high.
By press time, voting in some areas was still underway as provided for by the electoral laws in cases where there are valid reasons for voting to continue beyond the designated time.
He indicated that the three districts where voting was extended beyond the designated time are Gasabo, Kamonyi, and Bugesera, but elsewhere vote counting was already underway.
Munyaneza highlighted that the partial results will be announced by the NEC so as to satisfy the curiosity of Rwandans regarding the election process.
He stated, “When we talk about preliminary results, we distinguish them from those provided for by the law. Preliminary results are provided by the National Electoral Commission to give Rwandans an early insight into the election outcomes. It is to satisfy their curiosity by showing them the current state of affairs. However, the law stipulates that the final results are announced five days after the elections.”
He indicated that journalists are allowed to follow the vote-counting process and take photos of how it is progressing.
Paul Kagame, the incumbent President and candidate of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), along with his opponents, Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, followed the same voting procedures as the general public.
Voting took place on July 15, 2024, across numerous polling stations throughout the country. The polling stations opened early in the morning, allowing voters to cast their ballots in an orderly manner.
Each candidate participated in the voting process by going to their designated polling stations. They were seen engaging with voters and encouraging a peaceful and fair election.
Accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the President arrived at Gacuriro Technical Secondary School in Kinyinya Sector SOS Kagugu in Gasabo at 1:00 pm.
Unlike other Presidential Candidates, after casting his vote, Kagame did not speak to the
media.
Dr Habineza voted from GS Kimironko 2 polling center in Gasabo district. He expressed optimism about winning the vote.
“I am so happy to have exercised my fundamental right by voting. Having traversed the country during the campaigns, I come to vote with a solid hope that I will win with 55% and be the next President,” he said.
Habineza said that his party is certain of securing a minimum of at least 20 slots for Members of Parliament.
According to him, the smooth campaign and election exercise indicates that Rwanda has taken a big step in ensuring the prevalence of democracy.
Similarly, independent Presidential hopeful, Phillippe Mpayimana voted from Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge district.
He said that after winning (as he expects), the electorate should keep him in check based on the promises he has made throughout the campaign period.
“I am confident of winning but not 100% in fact I don’t want to win 100%. All I want is to win and show Rwandans the beauty of how they can participate in the country’s democratic process.
“After winning, I kindly request you keep asking me about the progress on the assurances included in my manifesto,” he added.
From his observation throughout the campaigns, Mpayimana said that the population yearns to get to know and vote for particular names of candidates instead of just symbols of political parties.
The National Electoral Commission has ensured that all registered voters are able to vote by implementing a technology to update voter statuses seamlessly.
The registration process was facilitated through online platforms in addition to the use of a USSD code, ensuring that all registered voters participate in the electoral process.
The National Electoral Commission established over 2,500 polling stations nationwide to ensure a fair voting process.
NEC’s Vice Chairperson, Nicole Mutimucyeye has revealed that tentative election results will be announced by 10:00 pm on voting day with the final results expected on July 27, 2024.
Other presidential candidates, Dr. Frank Habineza of the DGPR party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, also voted earlier in the day around 10 AM.
The RPF Inkotanyi candidate has shown confidence in winning the elections, based on the high turnout of supporters at various campaign sites.
On July 13, during a campaign event at Gahanga site in Kicukiro District, Kagame told the crowd, “I truly feel confident that everything will go well as it should. I will return here for us to celebrate, to celebrate victory.”
Dr. Habineza, as he mentioned at the end of his campaign activities, reaffirmed on July 15 that he has a 55% chance of winning the presidency.
Mpayimana, who voted at Camp Kigali site in Nyarugenge District, told the media that he also believes in his victory and assured his supporters that they will smile when the National Electoral Commission announces the preliminary election results.
The voting process will conclude at 3 PM. It is expected that the National Electoral Commission will announce the preliminary results in the evening.
Enthusiastic voters started arriving at polling centres as early as 4:00 a.m. to exercise their civic duty. However, it was not until 7:00 a.m. that they were allowed to access polling stations and cast their votes, in line with the guidelines of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
Over nine million registered voters are expected to cast their votes before the polls close at 3:00 p.m.
As thousands of voters continued to stream in to elect their new leaders, many were overrun with joy and excitement about exercise.
Emile Galois Kazeneza, a forward for the national men’s basketball team implored the youth to turn out in large numbers to make their choices count in the next government.
“I am very happy to be part of the 2024 elections, and I encourage the youth to participate,” said Kazeneza, who also plays for Kepler Basketball Club.
Ariella Ampoze Rurebwayire, who just turned 18, couldn’t hide her excitement as she cast her first vote in the presidential and parliamentary election.
“This is really incredible,” she beamed, “to be able to choose my own president.”
A Filipino couple who have lived in Rwanda for 29 years and acquired Rwandan nationality lauded the NEC and the Rwandan community for meticulously organizing the peaceful election.
“I am very happy, very surprised by how well the Rwandan community organized the elections—very well organized and peaceful,” Gilbert said, adding that elections in his home country are often not peaceful.
Gilbert and his wife arrived in the country in 1995. This is their third time participating in Rwanda’s elections.
Father Vincent Nsengiyuma, who cast his vote at the GS Giheke site in Rusizi District, said he was glad to contribute to the choice of the country’s leadership.
“We, as servants of God, also have the right to vote because we are citizens. Even though someone has dedicated their life to serving God, we are Rwandans and we have a say as citizens in contributing to the election of our leaders.”
The presidential election has attracted three candidates this year. The candidates are incumbent President Paul Kagame of the RPF Inkotanyi, Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Phillippe Mpayimana.
Habineza cast his vote at Goupe Scolaire 2, in Kimironko, Gasabo District. He told the media that he expects to win the 2024 elections with at least 55% of the votes and secure at least 20 seats in the parliamentary elections.
“My expectation as I mentioned last week is that I am hoping to get at least 55% of the vote for president and ten times more MPS. We had two MPs and hoping to have at least 20 MPs this time,” said Habineza.
Mpayimana cast his vote at the Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge District, while President Kagame voted at SOS polling station in Gasabo District.
The general election kicked off in the diaspora on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with Rwandans across 70 countries participating in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
In Rwanda, voting started at 7:00 am on Monday, July 15, and is scheduled to close at 3:00 pm.
On Tuesday, July 16, female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.
{{Maraga’s Role
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According to EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva, Maraga will lead a group of 55 observers across the country to monitor how the elections are conducted in line with existing laws.
The team will then be required to file a detailed report, highlighting key aspects of the electoral process including electoral preparedness, polling day events, and result declaration.
“The team will be assessing the level of compliance with the electoral processes and management to the international, regional, and national established laws, principles, and practices,” Maraga stated after his appointment.
“It will also be assessing adherence to the democratic principles of the EAC as enshrined in the Treaty; and offering objective recommendations for continuous improvement for the conduct of such elections.”
Yesterday, Maraga hosted mission heads from the African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to a breakfast engagement in Kigali. The Mission heads shared experiences on Rwanda’s preparedness for the general election.
Three candidates are vying for the presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls. They are independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).
Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya between October 2016 and January 2021.
The former CJ’s tenure was marked by the historic nullification of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election in 2017. It was the first presidential election to be annulled not only in Kenya but also on the whole African continent.
A seven-judge bench led by Maraga cited illegalities and irregularities as the reason for nullifying the election results contested by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“The greatness of any nation lies in its fidelity to the Constitution and adherence to the rule of law and, above all, respect for God,” Maraga remarked in a brief ruling.
Uhuru easily won a repeat election ordered by the Supreme Court after Odinga’s party boycotted the polls.
In a statement released Sunday, July 14, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified Crooks as a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.
Crooks is reported to have opened fire from a nearby building rooftop, causing panic in the crowd. Photos and videos that went viral on social media moments after the shooting showed Trump holding his bloodied ear before dropping to the ground, where Secret Service agents helped him take cover.
Trump was rushed off stage, but not before boldly pumping his fist into the air and twice telling the crowd to “fight!” He was then taken by car to a hospital in the Pittsburgh area.
Later, he posted on social media that he had been hit by a bullet in the upper part of his ear.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump’s campaigners said the Republican was doing “fine” after the shooting.
Authorities have since confirmed that one person was killed and two others were left in critical condition after the shooting.
Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene and the FBI has promised investigations into the shocking incident.
Media reports indicate that Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
Preliminary investigations show that he was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania’s voter database that matched his name, age, and a Bethel Park address.
This year’s presidential election would have been his first voting.
President Joe Biden, who is seeking a second term in the forthcoming polls, condemned the shooting incident, adding that he was grateful Trump is “safe and doing well.”
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,” Biden said in a statement.
Trump, a member of the Republican Party, is running for a second, non-consecutive term in the November 5, 2024, general election after losing to Biden in the 2020 polls.
Polling in the diaspora was conducted at 160 stations in 70 countries, including 44 embassies.
A total of 77,138 voters in the diaspora, comprising 41,243 males and 35,895 females, had registered to vote in this year’s general election, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC). By press time, many had already turned up to cast their votes.
Overall, 9,071,157 Rwandans, including 4.2 million males and 4,845,417 females, are eligible to vote in this year’s general election.
Rwandans living in Saudi Arabia turned out in large numbers at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh to cast their votes. Embassy officials said the Rwandans “were excited to exercise their civic right in voting for leaders of their choice.”
By 7 am (Rwandan time), Rwandans in Belgium and Luxembourg mobilized in large numbers to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Twenty-six-year-old Mike Ntasinzira could not hide his excitement to vote for the first time. He said, “We didn’t engage in politics a lot back home, but in recent years, I have become closer to the community and got interested in learning more about my country.”
In Gothenburg, Sweden, voting was a family affair as children escorted their parents to the polling stations.
“I am a first-time voter and I am super excited. It has been raining, but today I feel blessed and really happy to contribute in choosing the good leaders of our country and our future,” said 25-year-old Sonya Isimbi.
Long queues were also witnessed at Rwandan embassies in Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, and Rabat in Morocco, as citizens came out to exercise their civic rights.
In Germany, voting took place in Berlin and Kaiserslautern, where enthusiastic Rwandans turned out to make their choices count in this year’s polls.
Like other Rwandans living in the Central African Republic, members of Rwanda’s security forces who are in the country on a mission to restore peace were elated to also participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The diaspora was the first group to vote in the general election. Locals are scheduled to vote for the President and Members of the house (Chamber of Deputies) on Monday, July 15 2024.
On July 16, 24 female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.
Three candidates are vying for the Presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls.
They are independent Candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, July 13 2024 after his last campaign rally, the RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate noted that his administration has efficiently used every penny of the country’s limited resources towards development in all sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“We have made progress because we have concentrated on the real issues that matter to the people—that is, the people themselves. We have concentrated on what matters to them and what improves their lives. We have deployed every penny of our limited resources to just do that, whether it is in the area of education, health, infrastructure, or agriculture. There is self-food sufficiency,” President Kagame stated.
He emphasized that his administration had put in place elaborate mechanisms to prevent the wastage and theft of public funds, unlike many other countries where corruption is rampant.
“In many places, it (money) is stolen from the treasury; by the time it is supposed to be used, maybe half of it is pocketed by some individuals. So it gets lost through various means.
“We make sure we fight corruption alongside everything else we are doing. And we are committed to doing it, and we are not apologetic about ensuring that we hold ourselves accountable. That is important.”
He pledged to continue the RPF administration’s development agenda if re-elected in the Monday polls by prioritising the security and economic stability of the country.
During the last day of the campaign, the RPF flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to continue the country’s development agenda without being distracted by naysayers.
“I encourage and assure you that you shall be what you want to be, not how others want you to be. Ignore their ill-fated words because they don’t kill. Poverty kills, insecurity kills, ignorance kills but words don’t kill,” he said.
“As the government, we have made the right priorities by concentrating on what matters most to the people. Your large numbers here today are testimony to this. I have seen throughout the campaigns that you are a people living for a purpose,” he added.
The Head of State had back in April indicated that Rwanda will be five times better if the current momentum of social and economic development is maintained.
President Kagame said that the country had defied the odds to record tremendous growth over the last 30 years, when the country was derailed by the Genocide against the Tutsi.
“In the next 30 years we will continue making progress and be where others are even though some of them take it for granted. We see developed countries, why can’t Rwanda or Africa develop to that level or even beyond,” Kagame reasoned.
He highlighted that with the right politics in the country and the region, Rwanda will be far much better than its current state.
“The Rwanda of the next 30 years should maybe be three, four, or five times better than what you are seeing now. The next three decades should bring even more development because we are not coming from the grave; this time we are coming from some level of progress,” he added.
The campaigns have showcased several unique and notable characteristics that reflect the country’s political culture, democratic maturity, and commitment to development.
Overall, this season has provided a platform of diverse voices and visions for Rwanda’s future, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and participatory governance.
Now that the campaign season has come to an end, the focus has shifted to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, setting the stage for Rwanda’s next chapter in governance and development.
As Rwandans look forward to a decisive election that will shape the trajectory of the nation, some key aspects and events have stood out.
There has been diverse political participation by various political parties, including the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), Social Democratic Party (PSD), and Liberal Party (PL) where each of them presented distinct platforms and visions for Rwanda’s future.
Generally, the campaigns heavily emphasized ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, such as road construction, energy provision, and technological advancements. Candidates highlighted their commitment to continuing Rwanda’s rapid development trajectory.
On the last day, Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to mainly continue the country’s development agenda without getting bothered by what other people say.
“I encourage and assure you that you shall be what you want to be, not how others want you to be. Ignore their ill-fated words because they don’t kill. Poverty kills, insecurity kills, ignorance kills but words don’t kill,” he said.
“As the government, we have made the right priorities by concentrating on what matters most to the people. Your large numbers here today are testimony to this. I have seen throughout the campaigns that you are a people living for a purpose,” he added.
RPF, known for its significant role in ending the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, held its last campaign rally at Gahanga in Kicukiro district.
The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda is the main opposition party.
Throughout the campaign, its flag bearer and presidential hopeful Dr Frank Habineza, focused on promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and several other political reforms
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Liberal Party (PL) joined six other parties to form a coalition and support the RPF candidate for the position of President.
However, in a bid to vie for parliamentary positions, both parties campaigned on platforms of economic growth, social equity, and enhanced democratic practices.
On July 13, 2024, when the official campaigns ended, Dr Vincent Biruta, the leader of PSD said that the decision to support RPF was taken after consultative discussions with the electorate.
“Our position to support RPF was informed by Rwandans who have shown us that they love their president, we also have to accept and support their choice. We are confident that we shall win together,” he said.
