Reactions as Rwandans elect new leaders #rwanda #RwOT

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 electionsâ€"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."

Father Vincent Nsengiyuma speaks to the media after casting his vote.

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.

Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda casts his vote at Goupe Scolaire 2, in Kimironko, Gasabo District.

'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.