The Rwanda National Electoral Commission has released partial results of the presidential and parliamentary elections. Among the Rwanda Community Abroad, President Kagame received 95.40% of the 38,803 votes. Overall, he garnered 99.15% of the approximately 7.1 million votes. 

Partial results in the parliamentary elections:

International election observers have, in a joint statement, commended Rwanda for peaceful elections.
In a press conference held in Kigali on Wednesday, July 17, they noted that having interacted with various key stakeholders involved in the electoral process and witnessed the campaigns, voting, vote counting and tallying, they saw that “the electoral, political and security environment in the Republic of Rwanda before, during and immediately after the elections has been calm and peaceful.”

Tallying in the presidential and parliamentary elections is ongoing and the final results will be announced not later than July 27, 2024.

Voting Experience in the US

On July 14, 2024, members of the Rwandan community in the US turned out in large numbers to participate in the elections. Polling stations like Maine and Arizona saw voter turnout reach several hundreds, reflecting their large members of the Rwandan community.

Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States, H.E Mathilde Mukantabana, remarked, “Elections in the US went well and started on time with no incidents.”  She added, addressing the Rwandan community in the US, "Your vote today demonstrates the confidence and trust we have in our political philosophy," and continued, "To our leadership back home, thank you for giving us this opportunity."

Polling stations were adorned with Rwandan colors and themes, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of home. First-time voters, all of whom are Gen-Z, showed up in significant numbers and expressed their excitement about exercising their civic rights. This enthusiasm was evident in various videos recorded at polling stations.

Polling stations looked Rwandaful

First-time voter, Kelly Murangamirwa from Dallas, Texas, shared, “It was a great experience, I would do it again.”

First-time voters in Los Angeles, California

Michael C. Fairbanks, who voted at the Maine polling site, shared, “It's my first time to vote. It's so organized and the enthusiasm of the people that are here... it's a nice experience.”

Election volunteers, all members of the community, played crucial roles in assisting voters, ensuring the voting process ran smoothly, and maintaining the election's transparency. They cross-checked voters against the registration list, registered those who were not previously registered, and handed out ballot papers.

There were 17 polling stations across the US, strategically chosen based on geographical location and proximity to ensure accessibility for everyone. Voter registration was conducted online, but those who missed the deadline were allowed to register on-site with their National ID.

17 polling stations across the US, were strategically chosen

Communities came together, with many people traveling in groups and offering rides to ensure everyone could vote. Some stations even provided snacks and lunch for voters.

There are 29 Rwandan communities across the US, each with well-functioning executive committees at the local level, all overseen by a national executive committee.

Catch up on the updates of the elections:
Web: Rwanda National Electoral Commission
Social Media: @RwandaElections | #RwandaDecides