Young Rwandans Are Largely Hopeful for Their Future Ahead of Elections

Last year, the government of Rwanda decided to hold parliamentary and presidential elections on the same day to relieve the burden on the budget. The harmonized election will see up to 589 candidates contesting for 80 seats in the country’s Chamber of Deputies, and three others vying for the position of president.

The incumbent Paul Kagame, was first elected in 2003, and was president of the country’s transitional government from 2000 till his first election. He was also the country's vice president and minister of defense between 1994 and 2000. This year, Kagame is competing against Frank Habineza who represents the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR) and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana - the same set of people on the ballot in 2017. However, amidst the palpable hope for continued progress, there is also criticism of Kagame’s alleged repressive regime where some fierce critics were not cleared to contest in the polls, raising questions about the balance between stability and freedom in Rwanda’s future.

Apart from establishment of the polling stations within the country, the electoral commission has set up another 160 polling stations across the world to help the Rwandan diaspora vote. So far, over 1,000 local and foreign observers have been accredited to observe the polling process.

OkayAfrica speaks to different young Rwandans about their hopes and fears ahead the election.

Chadia Uwineza, 22. University student

OkayAfrica: How does it feel to be a first time voter?

Chadia Uwineza: As a first-time voter in Rwanda, I see my role as crucial to our nation's development. Voting empowers me to choose leaders who represent my values, ensuring my voice is heard and holding officials accountable. My role as a voter contributes to building a prosperous and just Rwanda, shaping a better future for all, and as well, being a clear testimony of democracy, the pillar of Rwandan leadership

Could you openly reveal who you are supporting for president and why?

I am actually going to vote for Paul Kagame. After recalling the country’s history and observing the current development, I have a clear hope for progress and stability under Kagame’s leadership.

If he wins, I expect him to continue driving forward good initiatives that keep Rwanda on the track of development. I really hope to see further improvements in technology, [and] greater opportunities for youth to create employment. He will also maintain peace and security.

Gad Kwizera, 26. Lawyer

OkayAfrica: As a Rwandan youth, what does it mean to participate in the electoral process?

Gad Kwizera: As a [young] Rwandan lawyer, my participation in the election means enjoying my rights that are enshrined in Rwanda's constitution.

What’s the most important aspect of Rwanda’s development to you in the last three decades?

Rapid development of Rwanda over the past 30 years is evident. I saw periods when Rwandans could not afford basic needs. I mostly commend Rwanda to have achieved reduction of poverty and improvement in education. Now, Rwandans have been equipped with knowledge and skills that enable them to compete on local and international job markets.

Alfred Niyonkuru, 27. Rwandan living in Maputo, Mozambique.

OkayAfrica: As a Rwandan diaspora, how does it feel to have the rights to elect the leaders of your country of origin?

Alfred Niyonkuru: It's a crucial way of enjoying my rights as a citizen of the country. I am proud that the country thrived over the past 30 years. It’s obvious, everybody can see. I will its peace and security to sustain.

How hopeful are you about your future?

My view of Rwanda's future is incredibly bright and hopeful. There is remarkable progress in upholding democracy which fills me with optimism. I am confident that it will further propel it toward greater prosperity.

Steven Nizeyimana, 29. Journalist and political analyst

OkayAfrica: According to your own observation, what characterized this year’s election campaigns and what emerged as new?

Steven Nizeyimana: There are obviously changes compared to the previous election. In the previous elections, it was quite difficult for aspirants to be cleared to contest. I may say, we saw changes this time. We commend the electoral commission for setting conducive and clear guidelines that have enabled aspirants to bid their candidacy.

There are also changes among the voters on how they perceive candidates who run against the ruling party. Previously, they could think that the competitors of the ruling party are the enemies of the achievements.

What do you think about the very small number of support for opposition parties?

This is so common for parties that get the chance of ruling for a long time. It’s a matter of building a good system that will be liked by the people. RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front) did it, [and] it’s so difficult to challenge it.

Secondly, the majority of Rwandans are now youth who were born in the past 30 years; they mostly grew up hearing the ruling party to the extent some could think there is [only] one party in the country.

Is there something to fear in the future?

The ruling party still has something to deal with; including the underlying threats from the armed groups that fight the current government. There are so many Rwandans in exile who keep fighting to overthrow the ruling government. For instance, there is still FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), an armed group with ethnic ideology in DRC. Rwanda set up a process to disarm and integrate them, but there are still extremists remaining armed to attack. I advise Kagame and his party to keep building a strong defense force. Otherwise, it would be worrying if his successor wouldn’t be as charismatic and ambitious as him.

Over the course of 2024, 20 African countries will be holding elections. For more election coverage, check out our Election Tracker.