The recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections in Rwanda have drawn significant attention from social scientists around the world, particularly those who claim to understand the political dynamics of Rwanda but have often missed the mark.

What happened provided a powerful reminder that the story of Rwanda is not one of simple binaries but of multifaceted realities and profound transformations. These elections have not only demonstrated the robust support for President Paul Kagame and the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) but also highlighted the profound trust Rwandans place in their electoral process.

Wholehearted campaigns and voting

The immense popularity and enthusiastic support for President Kagame and the RPF during the campaign period have challenged the often simplistic narratives about Rwanda's political situation. Wherever President Kagame campaigned, he attracted massive rallies, with hundreds of thousands of supporters flocking to see him. The sheer size of these gatherings was not just a testament to his popularity but also a vivid illustration of the genuine enthusiasm and happiness among the Rwandan population.

The atmosphere at these rallies was electrifying, marked by a clinical organization and a collective display of support that is seldom seen in many other political environments.

This phenomenon poses a critical question to those who label Rwanda as a dictatorship: Can such widespread and enthusiastic support be easily dismissed as coercion? The energy and passion evident in these rallies suggest a people that is deeply engaged and supportive of Kagame's leadership and the policies of the RPF.

The voting day for Rwanda's diaspora on July 14th was particularly revealing. For those who have often accused Rwanda of being a dictatorship, the scenes from polling stations across the globe were a glaring paradox. In Uganda and Kenya, notably in Kampala and Nairobi, there were scenes reminiscent of a stampede as Rwandans flocked to cast their votes. People traveled hundreds of kilometers to exercise their right to vote, a testament to their commitment to participate in the democratic process. Similarly, in many other parts of the world, some Rwandans took flights to reach designated polling stations, driven by their free will and desire to participate in the elections.

Faith in leadership and electoral integrity

The events of the election period, both within Rwanda and among the diaspora, clearly indicate that Rwandans are happy with the leadership of President Kagame, the RPF, and its partner parties—and a high level of trust in the electoral process.

This trust is not just a passive acceptance but an active belief in the system's fairness and integrity, which has been built over years of consistent governance and development.

To understand the significance of these elections, it is essential to contextualize Rwanda's political setting. Since the end of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation. Under President Kagame's leadership, the country has made significant strides in economic development, social cohesion, and political stability. The RPF has been at the forefront of these changes, implementing policies that have fostered unity, equity, growth and development.

Yet, Rwanda's political system has faced criticism. Detractors often label it as authoritarian, pointing to the imaginary limited space for opposition parties and the tight control exercised by the government. The latest polls provide a nuanced picture that challenges such simplistic narratives. Rwanda offer a rich case study for examining how political legitimacy is constructed and maintained in a post-genocide and post-conflict society. The enthusiastic support for President Kagame and the RPF reflected a deeper, more complex relationship between the state and its citizens.

A factual political setting

For those who have studied Rwanda from afar, these elections are a reminder of the importance of engaging with on-the-ground realities. It is easy to form opinions based on second-hand reports and academic theories, but the lived experiences of Rwandans provide essential insights that can challenge and enrich our understanding.

The results of the latest elections have implications beyond Rwanda. They challenge prevailing narratives about African democracies and the nature of political legitimacy. The high voter turnout, both domestically and internationally, demonstrates that democratic engagement is not limited to Western contexts. It can thrive in diverse settings, provided there is trust in the system and a connection between leaders and the populace.

Additionally, the electoral process, highlight the importance of considering the broader socio-political context when analyzing electoral processes. Rwanda's history, its post-genocide recovery, and its unique path to development all play a role in shaping its political landscape. Any social or political analyst must take these factors into account to provide a more accurate and nuanced analysis.

The overwhelming support for President Kagame and the RPF, coupled with the high level of trust in the electoral process, challenges simplistic narratives about Rwanda's political system. These elections offer valuable lessons about the nature of political legitimacy and the role of citizen engagement. It is important to listen to the voices of ordinary Rwandans, and to appreciate the unique path that the country has taken. Only then can we begin to truly understand the dynamics at play and the future trajectory of this remarkable nation.

A challenge to conventional narratives

The dominant narratives about Rwanda often revolve around its tragic past, its rapid economic development, and its unique political model. However, the July 2024 elections provide an opportunity to re-evaluate these narratives and consider the perspectives of ordinary Rwandans. Their experiences, perspectives, and aspirations are key to understanding the true dynamics of Rwandan people. The high turnout, the visible enthusiasm, and the commitment shown by the diaspora, challenges the negative portrayal of Rwanda in international discourse. It suggests that, rather than being passive recipients of top-down governance, Rwandans are active participants in shaping their political destiny. This presents a rich field of study, offering insights into how governance, development, and public sentiment interact in a once fractured society.

Understanding Rwanda's political dynamics requires an appreciation of its unique trajectory. From the horrors of the Genocide Against the Tutsi to its remarkable economic recovery and social transformation—Rwanda's journey is one of resilience and adaptation. President Kagame and the RPF have played a pivotal part in this transformation, and the recent elections reflect the continued trust and support they enjoy among the masses.