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Kagame's Sham Election, The Farce of Democracy in Rwanda
Author Name
1/1/2035
President Kagame during the second day of the campaign trail at Gisa site in Rubavu District on Sunday, June 23. Photos /the New Times
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has launched his campaign for an upcoming election despite all key opposition leaders being barred from running. This raises the question: why hold an election if the outcome is already determined? It seems Kagame wants to maintain a façade of democracy while ensuring his continued hold on power. (The Mail & Guardian)
The decision to bar opposition leaders from running in the election clearly indicates that Kagame has no interest in a fair and competitive political process. Instead, he seems intent on maintaining his grip on power at any cost. By preventing his opponents from participating, Kagame ensures he will face no real challenge to his rule.
But why go through the motions of campaigning and holding an election at all? One possible explanation is that Kagame believes that by appearing to engage in a democratic process, he can maintain a veneer of legitimacy both domestically and internationally. By holding an election, even a sham one, Kagame can claim that he has the support of the Rwandan people and that his rule is based on popular will.
Another possible motivation for Kagame's actions is that he may be trying to send a message to his opponents and to the international community. By barring opposition leaders from running and then holding a one-sided election, Kagame is demonstrating his ability to control the political process in Rwanda. He is showing that he will not tolerate dissent or opposition and that he is willing to use any means necessary to maintain his grip on power.
Kagame, who has been in power since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, has consistently won elections with over 90% of the vote, a figure that many international observers find suspiciously high and indicative of electoral manipulation. The political climate in Rwanda under Kagame has been marked by restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and assembly, creating an environment where genuine political competition is nearly impossible (Ground News) (HCNTimes.com).
