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.
Sam K Nkurunziza
