Rwandan presidential election, 2010
Encyclopedia
A presidential election was held in Rwanda
on 2010, the second since the Rwandan civil war
. The incumbent President Paul Kagame
, of the Rwandan Patriotic Front
, was re-elected for a second term.
was approved by referendum in Rwanda in 2003, and was followed shortly afterwards by the first presidential election
in the country since the 1994 genocide
. The constitution mandates seven-year presidential terms of office, leading to this election in 2010.
The incumbent was Paul Kagame, leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front and a minority Tutsi
who led his forces against the Hutu
s after the civil war in 1994. In 2000 he became the President of Rwanda Having served one term as elected president, Kagame is entitled to serve for another term in 2010.
During Kagame's tenure, Rwanda experienced high growth rates and a rise in infrastructure and international investment and tourism. He has been criticised by some opposition figures and human rights groups for suppressing dissent in the period leading up to the election.
who had been living abroad for some years, returned to Rwanda and announced her candidacy for the presidency. Ingabire caused some controversy in the country following her arrival, with comments relating to the genocide. The government accused her of breaking the country's strict laws regarding Genocide denial
, and she was arrested in April 2010. She was released on bail, but was prohibited from running in the election.
In May, President Kagame was officially endorsed as the RPF's candidate for the election, at the party's national congress. Kagame then became the first candidate to be accepted when he presented his electoral papers in July. The next candidate to register was Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies
and former Minister of Health Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo
, who won the nomination for the Social Democratic Party
on . In June, the Liberal Party
named its candidate, with Vice-President of the Senate
and former Minister of Commerce Prosper Higiro
defeating Stephanie Mukantagara for the nomination, after the latter pulled out of the race at the last minute. The final candidate to successfully register was Senator Alvera Mukabaramba of the Party for Progress and Concord
.
Two of three other contenders failed to get official documents through and did not get accepted into the race, and the other party was said to have effectively disintegrated, leaving no real opposition to Kagame. The three candidates running against Kagame supported him in the 2003 election
and are described by other parties as the RPF's "political satellites" – token opposition used to maintain a facade of pluralism.
, André Kagwa Rwisereka
, and the murdering of journalist Jean-Léonard Rugambage
, sparked concern, and prompted the United Nations
to demand an investigation. The BBC described the electoral campaign as "marred by violence and intimidation against opposition politicians." Burkinabé
newspaper Le Pays – in an article relayed by the Courrier International
– condemned the killing of "those who might disturb Paul Kagame's reelection," and called on the international community to take a hard stance against the Kagame government. Amnesty International
also condemned the attacks and called on the government to ensure an atmosphere for Rwandans to "freely express their views," where the killing had created a climate of repression to inhibit freedom of expression. "In recent months, killings, arrests and the closure of newspapers and broadcasters has reinforced a climate of fear. The Rwandan government must ensure that investigations into the killings are thorough and reinstate closed media outlets."
In June, Rwanda was also embroiled in controversy after freeing an American lawyer, who worked with the Tanzania-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
, and was arrested and charged with "genocide denial and threatening state security."
South Africa also recalled its ambassador to Rwanda to discuss the situation in the country the week before the elections. This came about two months after a dissident Rwandan general survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg
. General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, who was a critic of Kagame, alleged that it was an assassination attempt, a charge Rwanda denied. Days later, a journalist who claimed to have uncovered the regime's responsibility in the attempted murder was shot dead.
After South Africa arrested five men over the shooting and revealed their nationalities, Rwanda summoned the South African ambassador to express concern about the investigation. However, South Africa denied the recall was in "making any connections between the government of Rwanda and the shooting of the general."
Opposition parties also said more than 30 newspapers had been banned. Amnesty International also said opposition party figures had been intimidated, journalists had been targeted and killed, and several senior officers critical of the ruling party attacked and arrested. Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo
refuted the claims saying "The international media and human rights groups are misrepresenting what is happening in the country. My government does not stand to gain from any actions of insecurity. Paul Kagame happens to be a very popular candidate. I think to point a finger at this government is wrong. Anyone who is reading the situation from Rwanda would know that there is an atmosphere of excitement among the public."
Anil K Gayan, a former foreign minister of Mauritius and the head of the AU monitoring delegation, said "We have not received any evidence of intimidation." He also talked about the turnout for the elections saying that though political rallies may have been well attended "Crowds do not necessarily translate into votes." Kagame also refuted opposition claims and said the vote was "very democratic. The people of Rwanda were free to stand for election, those who wanted to, and to qualify, so I see no problem. Some sections of the media seem to be reading from a different page."
, killing one person and injuring several, which were linked to the upcoming election. This and other bombings in the country were attributed to the Hutu-dominated Interhamwe and the exiled former Rwandan ambassador to India, General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa
.
However, opposition and human rights groups said the election were tainted by repression, murder and lack of credible competition. Kagame responded saying "I see no problems, but there are some people who choose to see problems where there are not." Observers also criticised the poll because the campaign was devoid of "critical opposition voices" with the three other candidates standing in the poll linked to Kagame's party.
attack occurred in Kigali hours after the election commission announced Kagame's victory, injuring about 20 people. Media reports indicated the attack may have been politically motivated and connected to earlier attacks in the same area.
In the months after the election, arrests of opposition figures continued. Victoire Ingabire, the leader of the United Democratic Forces
, was arrested on the basis of statements made by a former military officer that she had a connection with an alleged plot to form a "terrorist group." This came after she was already under judicial control.
Rwanda
Rwanda or , officially the Republic of Rwanda , is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million . Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
on 2010, the second since the Rwandan civil war
Rwandan Civil War
The Rwandan Civil War was a conflict within the Central African nation of Rwanda between the government of President Juvénal Habyarimana and the rebel Rwandan Patriotic Front...
. The incumbent President Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame is the sixth and current President of the Republic of Rwanda. He rose to prominence as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front , whose victory over the incumbent government in July 1994 effectively ended the Rwandan genocide...
, of the Rwandan Patriotic Front
Rwandan Patriotic Front
The Rwandan Patriotic Front abbreviated as RPF is the current ruling political party of Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame. It governs in a coalition with other parties...
, was re-elected for a second term.
Background
A new constitutionConstitution of Rwanda
The Constitution of Rwanda was adopted by referendum on May 26, 2003. It replaced the older Constitution of 1991.The Constitution provides for a presidential system of government, with separation of powers between the three branches. It condemns the Rwandan Genocide in the preamble, expressing hope...
was approved by referendum in Rwanda in 2003, and was followed shortly afterwards by the first presidential election
Rwandan presidential election, 2003
A presidential election was held in Rwanda on 25 August 2003. Paul Kagame easily won the election against a weak opposition.-Source:*...
in the country since the 1994 genocide
Rwandan Genocide
The Rwandan Genocide was the 1994 mass murder of an estimated 800,000 people in the small East African nation of Rwanda. Over the course of approximately 100 days through mid-July, over 500,000 people were killed, according to a Human Rights Watch estimate...
. The constitution mandates seven-year presidential terms of office, leading to this election in 2010.
The incumbent was Paul Kagame, leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front and a minority Tutsi
Tutsi
The Tutsi , or Abatutsi, are an ethnic group in Central Africa. Historically they were often referred to as the Watussi or Watusi. They are the second largest caste in Rwanda and Burundi, the other two being the Hutu and the Twa ....
who led his forces against the Hutu
Hutu
The Hutu , or Abahutu, are a Central African people, living mainly in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DR Congo.-Population statistics:The Hutu are the largest of the three peoples in Burundi and Rwanda; according to the United States Central Intelligence Agency, 84% of Rwandans and 85% of Burundians...
s after the civil war in 1994. In 2000 he became the President of Rwanda Having served one term as elected president, Kagame is entitled to serve for another term in 2010.
During Kagame's tenure, Rwanda experienced high growth rates and a rise in infrastructure and international investment and tourism. He has been criticised by some opposition figures and human rights groups for suppressing dissent in the period leading up to the election.
Candidates
The election campaign began publicly in January 2010 when Victoire Ingabire, a HutuHutu
The Hutu , or Abahutu, are a Central African people, living mainly in Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern DR Congo.-Population statistics:The Hutu are the largest of the three peoples in Burundi and Rwanda; according to the United States Central Intelligence Agency, 84% of Rwandans and 85% of Burundians...
who had been living abroad for some years, returned to Rwanda and announced her candidacy for the presidency. Ingabire caused some controversy in the country following her arrival, with comments relating to the genocide. The government accused her of breaking the country's strict laws regarding Genocide denial
Genocide denial
Genocide denial occurs when an act of genocide is met with attempts to deny the occurrence and minimize the scale or death toll. The most well-known type is Holocaust denial, but its definition can extend to any genocide that has been minimized or met with excessive skepticism.Where there is near...
, and she was arrested in April 2010. She was released on bail, but was prohibited from running in the election.
In May, President Kagame was officially endorsed as the RPF's candidate for the election, at the party's national congress. Kagame then became the first candidate to be accepted when he presented his electoral papers in July. The next candidate to register was Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies
Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda
The Chamber of Deputies is the lower house of the bicameral national legislature of Rwanda.It was created under the new Constitution adopted by referendum in 2003....
and former Minister of Health Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo
Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo
Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo is a Rwandan politician who was appointed Minister of Health in 2006, and was a candidate in the 2010 Rwandan presidential elections....
, who won the nomination for the Social Democratic Party
Social Democratic Party (Rwanda)
The Social Democratic Party is a centre-left Social democratic political party in Rwanda. In the parliamentary election held on 30 September 2003, the party won 12.3% of the popular vote and 7 out of 53 seats...
on . In June, the Liberal Party
Liberal Party (Rwanda)
The Liberal Party is a political party in Rwanda that adheres to Liberalism. Higiro Prosper is the party's chairperson.The Liberal Party supported President Paul Kagame in the 2003 presidential election. In the parliamentary election held on 30 September 2003, the party won 10.6% of the popular...
named its candidate, with Vice-President of the Senate
Senate of Rwanda
The Parliament of Rwanda has two chambers. The upper house is the Senate ...
and former Minister of Commerce Prosper Higiro
Prosper Higiro
Prosper Higiro is a Rwandan politician and member of the Liberal Party as its official chairperson. Since 10 October 2004, Prosper has been a Senator and Vice-President of the Senate representing the Kirehe District in the Eastern Province. Prosper has worked extensively in the Ministry of...
defeating Stephanie Mukantagara for the nomination, after the latter pulled out of the race at the last minute. The final candidate to successfully register was Senator Alvera Mukabaramba of the Party for Progress and Concord
Party for Progress and Concord
The Party for Progress and Concord is a political party in Rwanda. At the last legislative elections, on 30 September 2003, the party won 2.2% of the popular vote but no seats....
.
Two of three other contenders failed to get official documents through and did not get accepted into the race, and the other party was said to have effectively disintegrated, leaving no real opposition to Kagame. The three candidates running against Kagame supported him in the 2003 election
Rwandan presidential election, 2003
A presidential election was held in Rwanda on 25 August 2003. Paul Kagame easily won the election against a weak opposition.-Source:*...
and are described by other parties as the RPF's "political satellites" – token opposition used to maintain a facade of pluralism.
Controversy
The runup to the election was plagued with the "killings of opposition figures," including the unsolved beheading of the vice-president of the Democratic Green PartyDemocratic Green Party of Rwanda
The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda is a green political party in Rwanda. Formed in 2009, the party aimed to run in the 2010 elections. It was, however, prevented from registering. The party's vice-president, André Kagwa Rwisereka, was found beheaded during the election campaign. -External links:...
, André Kagwa Rwisereka
André Kagwa Rwisereka
André Kagwa Rwisereka was vice-chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, a political party founded in August 2009 in Rwanda.He was found murdered and partially beheaded on 14 July 2010....
, and the murdering of journalist Jean-Léonard Rugambage
Jean-Léonard Rugambage
Jean-Léonard Rugambage was a Rwandan journalist, acting editor of the newspaper Umuvugizi. He was shot dead in front of his home in Kigali on 24 June 2010....
, sparked concern, and prompted the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
to demand an investigation. The BBC described the electoral campaign as "marred by violence and intimidation against opposition politicians." Burkinabé
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso – also known by its short-form name Burkina – is a landlocked country in west Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest.Its size is with an estimated...
newspaper Le Pays – in an article relayed by the Courrier International
Courrier International
Courrier International is a Paris-based French weekly newspaper which translates and publishes excerpts of articles from over 900 international newspapers. It also has a Portuguese and a Japanese edition...
– condemned the killing of "those who might disturb Paul Kagame's reelection," and called on the international community to take a hard stance against the Kagame government. Amnesty International
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
also condemned the attacks and called on the government to ensure an atmosphere for Rwandans to "freely express their views," where the killing had created a climate of repression to inhibit freedom of expression. "In recent months, killings, arrests and the closure of newspapers and broadcasters has reinforced a climate of fear. The Rwandan government must ensure that investigations into the killings are thorough and reinstate closed media outlets."
In June, Rwanda was also embroiled in controversy after freeing an American lawyer, who worked with the Tanzania-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda is an international court established in November 1994 by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 955 in order to judge people responsible for the Rwandan Genocide and other serious violations of international law in Rwanda, or by Rwandan...
, and was arrested and charged with "genocide denial and threatening state security."
South Africa also recalled its ambassador to Rwanda to discuss the situation in the country the week before the elections. This came about two months after a dissident Rwandan general survived an assassination attempt in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
. General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, who was a critic of Kagame, alleged that it was an assassination attempt, a charge Rwanda denied. Days later, a journalist who claimed to have uncovered the regime's responsibility in the attempted murder was shot dead.
After South Africa arrested five men over the shooting and revealed their nationalities, Rwanda summoned the South African ambassador to express concern about the investigation. However, South Africa denied the recall was in "making any connections between the government of Rwanda and the shooting of the general."
Opposition parties also said more than 30 newspapers had been banned. Amnesty International also said opposition party figures had been intimidated, journalists had been targeted and killed, and several senior officers critical of the ruling party attacked and arrested. Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo
Louise Mushikiwabo
Louise Mushikiwabo is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda.Her brother, Lando Ndasingwa, was the only tutsi minister in the last Habyarimana government, but was killed in the beginning the 1994 genocide.- References :...
refuted the claims saying "The international media and human rights groups are misrepresenting what is happening in the country. My government does not stand to gain from any actions of insecurity. Paul Kagame happens to be a very popular candidate. I think to point a finger at this government is wrong. Anyone who is reading the situation from Rwanda would know that there is an atmosphere of excitement among the public."
Anil K Gayan, a former foreign minister of Mauritius and the head of the AU monitoring delegation, said "We have not received any evidence of intimidation." He also talked about the turnout for the elections saying that though political rallies may have been well attended "Crowds do not necessarily translate into votes." Kagame also refuted opposition claims and said the vote was "very democratic. The people of Rwanda were free to stand for election, those who wanted to, and to qualify, so I see no problem. Some sections of the media seem to be reading from a different page."
Violence
Although the election campaign was mostly conducted peacefully, there have been a number of incidents which attracted international attention. In February and March 2010 there were a series of attacks in KigaliKigali
Kigali, population 965,398 , is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated near the geographic centre of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. The main residence and offices of the President of...
, killing one person and injuring several, which were linked to the upcoming election. This and other bombings in the country were attributed to the Hutu-dominated Interhamwe and the exiled former Rwandan ambassador to India, General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa
Kayumba Nyamwasa
Lieutenant General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa was a Rwandan Army former Chief of Staff who fled to South Africa in February 2010 afterbeing accused of involvement in terrorist activity within Rwanda.Nyamwasa had formerly been head of Rwandan intelligence....
.
Results
Kagame was declared the winner of the election, according to results released by the National Electoral Commission on .However, opposition and human rights groups said the election were tainted by repression, murder and lack of credible competition. Kagame responded saying "I see no problems, but there are some people who choose to see problems where there are not." Observers also criticised the poll because the campaign was devoid of "critical opposition voices" with the three other candidates standing in the poll linked to Kagame's party.
Aftermath
A grenadeGrenade
A grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
attack occurred in Kigali hours after the election commission announced Kagame's victory, injuring about 20 people. Media reports indicated the attack may have been politically motivated and connected to earlier attacks in the same area.
In the months after the election, arrests of opposition figures continued. Victoire Ingabire, the leader of the United Democratic Forces
United Democratic Forces
The United Democratic Forces were a center-right electoral alliance in Bulgaria, led by the Union of Democratic Forces.-Members of the coalition:1997 *Union of Democratic Forces...
, was arrested on the basis of statements made by a former military officer that she had a connection with an alleged plot to form a "terrorist group." This came after she was already under judicial control.
External links
- Rwanda Holds Presidential Election Amid Crackdown on Opposition Candidates – video report by Democracy Now!Democracy Now!Democracy Now! and its staff have received several journalism awards, including the Gracie Award from American Women in Radio & Television; the George Polk Award for its 1998 radio documentary Drilling and Killing: Chevron and Nigeria's Oil Dictatorship, on the Chevron Corporation and the deaths of...