By John Ikani
Candidates in Rwanda’s presidential race have concluded their campaigns, preparing for Monday’s vote.
Incumbent President Paul Kagame addressed a massive crowd of supporters in Kigali, the nation’s capital.
The election is anticipated to secure Kagame and his Rwanda Patriotic Front another five-year term.
“It is a political phenomenon, that is why many people outside Rwanda do not understand and carelessly speak about Rwanda,” Kagame told the enthusiastic audience, using both English and Kinyarwanda.
Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda drew only 100 supporters to his rally on the final day of campaigning.
Habineza and another independent candidate, Philippe Mpayimana, have struggled to attract large crowds at their events.
In Rwanda, criticism of Kagame is met with severe penalties, making political opposition rare.
At 66, Kagame remains almost unchallenged after three decades in power. Monday’s vote appears set to extend his long-standing presidency.
