Rwanda confirms August 2017 presidential election date

Rwandans will go to polls on August 4, 2017, to elect the Head of State in the country’s third multiparty presidential elections, a government statement has confirmed.

The date for the presidential election was announced following a Cabinet meeting last week.

Rwandans abroad will cast their votes on August 3, and those resident in Rwanda will follow suit on August 4, a communique in the local Kinyarwanda language said.

A constitutional amendment passed this year means that President Paul Kagame — in charge since taking power at the head of a rebel army in 1994 — is able to stand for re-election for another seven-year term.

Data from the National Electoral Commission indicate that about 6.6 million Rwandans are expected to cast their vote in the election.

Rwanda’s first multiparty democratic presidential poll took place in 2003 while the second was held in 2010.

Both elections were won by President Paul Kagame.