Kagame opponents and critics say elections in Rwanda neither free nor fair

People dance and chant songs in support of the RPF and the incumbent President of Rwanda Paul Kagame following the release of provisional electoral results, at a market in Kigali, July 16, 2024. [AFP]

Paul Kagame's win in Rwanda's presidential election this week was widely expected, although critics say the vote was neither free nor fair.

Lewis Mudge is the central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Mudge, who lived in Rwanda for several years, said elections there are a mere performance and always produce big wins for Kagame.