Kagame wins by landslide

KIGALI - The RPF candidate, Paul Kagame, will, for the next seven years, be President of Rwanda after being, overwhelmingly, voted back into office, in yesterday’s Presidential elections. According to the preliminary results released by the National Electoral Commission, President Kagame won by 92.9 percent. The PSD candidate, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, has 4.9 %, Prosper Higiro from the Liberal party (PL) 1.5 % and the PPC candidate, Dr Alvera Mukabaramba 0.7 %. The NEC chairman, Chrysologue Karangwa, announced the results on state television and radio at approximately 3.45 AM Karangwa said that while the final results were yet to be announced, what had been counted, so far, gives a clear picture of what the overall outcome will be. Members of the Rwandan Diaspora, who had voted on August 8, a day earlier, had, as well overwhelmingly voted for President Kagame. He got a whopping 96.7 %, while Ntawukuliryayo who came second, got 1.5 %. Higiro and Mukabaramaba got 1 % and 0.7 % respectively. Kagame and his family joined thousands of RPF supporters who had converged at Amahoro National Stadium, to wait for the results. Upon hearing of the massive win, the excited crowd, who had spent hours dancing, wildly celebrated the anticipated triumph. In his speech, President Kagame dedicated the victory to the Rwandan people, saying that the massive win is a vindication of their dedication and commitment throughout the campaign and other challenges the country has had to deal with. Kagame, told his supporters to wait for the final results to be announced, but in reference to the preliminary results, he said, it was evident that it is a victory for the RPF. The President thanked his supporters, who went through hard times, braving the scorching sun, the dust and sleepless nights to ensure that he is re-elected. Kagame pointed out that the success of the election is proof that the country has men and women who have values. The evidently excited President went on to say that he was proud of his supporters and urged the cheering crowd to maintain the momentum and zeal while supporting the government’s programmes for the next seven years and sustain the pace of development. Kagame noted that the RPF win was victory for development, for all Rwandans and for the new Rwanda. The colorful celebration was crowned by fireworks which lit up the dark early morning sky. Appearing on National Television shortly after the provisional results were released, the President of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Vincent Biruta, congratulated Kagame for the massive win and pledged to support his leadership. “By the look of things, it’s clear that that Kagame has won the elections and we congratulate the RPF and Kagame for the victory,” Biruta said. Ends