Rwandan voters set to agree changes which could create a president for life

Rwandans headed to the polling booths on Friday for a vote which could see president Paul Kagame stay in power until 2034. The country’s 6.4million voters were being asked to approve changes to the constitution to allow him to run for a third term. If agreed, Kagame, who is widely credited with restoring the nation’s fortunes after the genocide of the early 1990s, would be able to run again in 2017. The 58-year-old, who has been president since 2000 but effectively in control since his rebel force marched into Kigali in 1994, says he will decide whether to stand for another term once the result is known.

What is happening is the people’s choice. Ask people why they want me.

President Paul Kagame

Although seen as a stabilising influence, Mr Kagame has been criticised for stifling political opposition and the media. On Friday, as people cast their votes, nationalist songs blared in some polling stations. The lyrics of one included the words: “We shall protect the country. We shall protect its leaders.” The result, which analysts expect to be “yes”, is likely to emerge later on Friday. Under the changes, Kagame could seek another seven-year term and two five-year terms after that.

I came to vote… because we want our president to continue leading us

One 22-year-old voter

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