The 3rd and 4th of August, 2017, marked an important moment in Rwanda’s political history as Paul Kagame, the Chairman of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), won the presidential elections with a landslide victory, securing a third term in office. The election and its outcome were significant not only for Kagame and his political party but also for the future of Rwanda and its continued journey toward development and stability.
Context:
The 2017 Presidential Election was conducted in the aftermath of a significant political shift in Rwanda, which saw constitutional amendments allowing President Kagame to extend his presidency beyond the previously set two-term limit. The constitutional changes had been passed in 2015 through a referendum, in which an overwhelming majority of voters supported the amendment, enabling Kagame to seek re-election for additional terms. The amendment was viewed by many as an essential step for continuity in Rwanda’s growth but also attracted criticism from some international observers, who questioned the democracy and fairness of the process.
Kagame’s Campaign:
Kagame’s 2017 presidential campaign focused on the economic growth and development achieved by Rwanda under his leadership, emphasizing the country’s progress in sectors like health, education, infrastructure, and poverty reduction. Kagame also presented himself as a champion of peace and security, having played a pivotal role in ending the Rwandan genocide and rebuilding the country since his rise to power in 1994.
While Kagame’s campaign was popular among many Rwandans, particularly due to his track record of stability and development, there were concerns regarding political opposition and freedoms. Kagame ran unopposed for much of the election process after major opposition parties either withdrew or were sidelined due to various legal and political issues, leading some to criticize the fairness of the election.
Election Results:
The August 2017 elections saw Paul Kagame winning with nearly 99% of the vote, a margin that highlighted his dominance in the political landscape. The victory was seen by supporters as a testament to Kagame’s leadership and the policies of the RPF, while critics viewed the outcome as indicative of a lack of political pluralism and opposition space.
Kagame’s win confirmed his place as a central figure in Rwanda’s political scene, with the country continuing on its path of national reconciliation and economic growth under his administration.
Significance of the Election:
The 2017 election was notable for several reasons:
- Political Legitimacy: The victory reinforced Kagame’s political legitimacy domestically, but the lack of substantial opposition raised concerns about democratic practices and freedom of expression in Rwanda.
- Economic and Social Development: Kagame’s government had made notable strides in infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of gender equality, which were central themes of the election campaign.
- Regional Influence: Kagame continued to play a significant role in East African politics, strengthening Rwanda’s position within the African Union (AU) and East African Community (EAC).
- International Relations: Kagame’s leadership attracted both praise and criticism from the international community. His commitment to economic modernization was lauded, while his approach to opposition and political freedoms raised concerns among human rights advocates and democracy-watchers.
Post-Election Impact:
Following the election, Kagame’s government focused on several key initiatives, including:
- Promoting technological innovation and positioning Rwanda as a technology hub in Africa.
- Expanding infrastructure projects, including roads, energy production, and transportation networks.
- Continuing efforts to attract foreign investment and elevate Rwanda’s position on the global economic stage.
Kagame’s third term marked the continuation of his long-term vision for Rwanda’s future, and it was clear that his leadership would be pivotal in the shaping of the country’s economic and social development.
Criticism and Controversy:
Despite the overwhelming support Kagame received domestically, his third-term election was marked by concerns regarding the freedom of speech and the political landscape in Rwanda. Political opponents and human rights organizations raised issues about the consolidation of power and suppression of dissent. There were also questions about the genuineness of the electoral process, given the absence of competitive opposition in the election.
International Reaction:
While many African leaders and international partners congratulated Kagame on his victory, some Western nations expressed reservations about the fairness of the election process. Human rights organizations and independent observers had concerns about the space for political opposition, media freedom, and the treatment of dissidents.