KIGALI – Rwandan president Paul Kagame was gearing up on Tuesday for a fourth term after winning a thundering 99.15% of votes, according to partial results from an election where only two challengers were allowed to run against him.

The outcome of Monday’s poll was never in doubt, with Kagame ruling the small African nation with an iron fist as de facto leader and then president for three decades.

Partial results issued by the election commission seven hours after polls closed showed that Kagame had won 99.15% of the vote, even more than the 98.79% he got in the last poll seven years ago.

Democratic Green Party candidate Frank Habineza could only muster 0.53% and independent Philippe Mpayimana 0.32%, according to the results issued with 79% of ballots counted.

In an address from the headquarters of his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the 66-year-old thanked Rwandans for giving him another five years in office.

“The results that have been presented indicate a very high score. These are not just figures, even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers. These figures show the trust, and that is what is most important. I am hopeful that together we can solve all problems,” he said.

With 65% of the population aged under 30, Kagame is the only leader most Rwandans have ever known.

The bespectacled 66-year-old is credited with rebuilding a traumatised nation after the 1994 genocide, but he is also accused of ruling in a climate of fear at home, and fomenting instability in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Over nine million Rwandans including two million first-time voters were registered to cast their ballot, with the presidential race being held simultaneously as legislative elections for the first time.

In Kigali’s Nyabugogo market, shoppers were upbeat and unsurprised by the result.

“The reason he gets such high votes, which should be 100%, is because Rwandans love him,” pensioner Frederick Bayingana told AFP, listing Kagame’s accomplishments in providing “development”, “drinking water” and “security”.

“Today is a day for celebrations because this is the result I wanted,” motorcycle taxi driver Thomas Dushimirimana (38), told AFP. Full provisional results are due by 20 July, and definitive results by 27 July.

“In general, the electoral process happened in a safe and transparent atmosphere for Rwandans living abroad and at home,” the National Electoral Commission said.

Kagame won with more than 93% of the vote in 2003, 2010 and 2017, when he again easily defeated the same two challengers. -Nampa/AFP