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Controversy Surrounds Dictator Paul Kagame’s Candidacy in Rwanda’s Upcoming Election

By: Robert Patrick Fati Gakwerere

On May 17, 2024, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame presented his candidacy to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), an event mired in controversy and claims of deceit. Critics describe the upcoming election as a farce, with Criminal Paul Kagame both a candidate and, effectively, his own competitor in what is seen as a predetermined electoral process.

Dictator Paul Kagame presenting his candidacy at his own National Electoral Commission (NEC)

Paul Kagame’s rule, often criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, faces new scrutiny as he seeks re-election. The NEC, led by Oda Gasinzigwa, a close ally of Kagame’s wife and a prominent figure within the ruling party, was appointed on January 30, 2023. Her appointment has heightened concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the electoral body.

Oda Gasinzigwa, Chairwoman of Rwanda’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) attending a ruling party meeting gathering.

The election, scheduled for July 15, 2024, is already being dismissed by opponents and international observers as a sham. Predictions are rife that Kagame will award himself a Stalin-like victory, with an anticipated 100% of the vote, mirroring past elections that have been criticized for lack of transparency and fairness.

As Rwanda approaches this crucial date, the international community watches closely, calling for greater scrutiny and transparency to ensure a fair electoral process in a country marked by its troubled political landscape.

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