Rwandans vote to decide between Kagame or Habineza

Rwandans go the polls on Friday in a presidential election in which strongman Paul Kagame is widely expected to cruise to a third term in office.

The country’s over 7 Million voters will cast their vote.

It’s Election Day in #Rwanda as close to 7 Million voters go to 2,340 polling sites to determine the country’s future. #RwandaDecides

— Government of Rwanda (@RwandaGov) August 4, 2017

Did you know the visually impaired will vote for the first time using Braille ?? #RwandaDecides

— Fiona Mbabazi (@Fionambabazi1) August 3, 2017

 President Paul Kagame the incumbent will be seeking a third, seven-year term since winning the country’s second election in 2010.

A constitutional amendment allowed Kagame to run for this new term and two more five-year terms after that, meaning that he could stay in power till 2034.

Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party — the only permitted critical opposition party — and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana face an unwinnable battle.

On Thursday, 44,362 Rwandans living abroad voted at 98 polling stations across the world.

Continental Synergy in Action: @_AfricanUnion @comesa_lusaka @JumuiyaPress Election Observation Missions in #RwandaElections2017 #DGTrends pic.twitter.com/RT065lv3Gg

— AU Political Affairs (@AUC_DPA) August 4, 2017

The poll in Rwanda is one of three major elections in  Africa this month. Others will be held in Kenya and Angola. 

Read: Elections That Will Shape Africa in 2017

President Paul Kagame after casting his vote in Kiyovu #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/2PiZriloDe

— Eddie Rwema (@edrwema) August 4, 2017

Green Party candidate @FrankHabineza voted early today in Kimironko #RwandaDecides

Rwanda’s opposition party flagbearer Frank Habineza casts vote, expects surprise victory https://t.co/eHb1TvTSVr #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/atptaCi0ef

— The EastAfrican (@The_EastAfrican) August 4, 2017

pic.twitter.com/ReXFsGUgp9

— Eddie Rwema (@edrwema) August 4, 2017

Independent candidate Phillippe Mpayimana after casting his vote in #Rwanda presidential elections #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/NNrl3AFY6v

— Eddie Rwema (@edrwema) August 4, 2017

Dileita Mohamed Dileita, former PM of Djibouti and part of Francophone observer mission calls #Rwanda election calm and peaceful pic.twitter.com/yKlpWeE7oN

— Eddie Rwema (@edrwema) August 4, 2017

#EAC head of observer mission former VP Moody Awori of Kenya wishes the citizens of #Rwanda success in choosing their next president pic.twitter.com/JQXJOGJpSY

— Eddie Rwema (@edrwema) July 28, 2017

VOTED – Defence Minister Gen. @KabarebeJames was ushered past other voters, but preferred to stay in queue – via @kigalitoday #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/NDyuz0mBlm

— Fred Mwasa (@mwasa) August 4, 2017

We voted, the bro @Eder_momo for the first time. #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/hxtN5prbuw

— Nathalie Munya (@nathmunya) August 4, 2017

Meanwhile inside the polling stations…. 👌👌👌 #RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/uc6LRoQMQG

— David Kezio-Musoke (@kezio_musoke) August 4, 2017

It’s an Overjoy Voting at my First time and making a right choice!Proudly Rwandan 💪#FirstTimeVoter#RwandaDecides pic.twitter.com/w2ZppE10jL

— Sanny Aline (@AlineSanny) August 4, 2017