KIMIRONKO, 8:30am — Frank Habineza, the flag-bearer for the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, just cast his vote at Kimironko II polling station.

Speaking to the media outside the polling station, he expressed confidence to win today’s elections given the supporters he amassed during the campaign period that ended Wednesday.

Clad in a black suit and a white shirt, Habineza was accompanied by his wife Edith Kabalira, who also voted from the same polling station.

In less than two minutes, Habineza had completed casting his vote and addressed both local and international media.

"This is a very big milestone for democracy in Rwanda because we have worked for eight years for our candidate to be on the ballot paper. I hope we will build on this foundation to make our country better,” he said.

"I am expecting a big victory today, tomorrow I will be President, based on the support people showed to me. I am optimistic we are winning 70 percent; my vote is for sustainable development, a voice for sustainable security and wealth for all Rwandans,” said Habineza.

VIDEO: Frank Habineza votes. Source: YouTube/TheNewTimes

Habineza, 41, hailed the national electoral commission for "a great job done in preparations that have ensured a smooth process” adding that he has also deployed independent over 500 observers and was ready to concede, would he lose.

"We are a democratic party if the elections are fair we will accept the outcome, "he said

However, Habineza said that he knew the incumbent President Paul Kagame was strong but was confident because his party is also strong and promised a lot to supporters who showed up voluntarily at his campaign rallies.

Habineza said he will deliver on the promises he made to his supporters during the campaign rallies across the country.

"We are ready for change, people of Rwanda want to see a new president, they want to see positive change, they want to see new momentum to development,” he said.

Bishop Mary Nkosi, the head of the COMESA observation group, which has been in the country for one week, said that they had not heard of any incident thus far. "This shows that democracy is working in the country,” she said.

There are 2,000 observers—local and international—in these elections.

Habineza is in the presidential race with the incumbent President Paul Kagame, and the independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

The National Electoral Commission is set to announce preliminary results tonight at 11p.m.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw