A third term for Rwanda President Paul Kagame

                                                                                Rwanda President, Paul Kagame

NAIROBI—Rwanda has re-elected president Kagame with more than 98% of the votes granting him a third term in office and extending his 17-year rule over the East African nation.

After his victory, Mr Kagame vowed to keep up the country’s economic growth.

“This is another seven years to take care of issues that affect Rwandans and ensure that we become real Rwandans who are (economically) developing,” President Kagame said in a speech broadcast on live television.

The national electoral commission said Kagame had won over 98% of the vote. Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party won 0.45% of the votes, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana secured 0.72%.

Rwanda’s constitution was amended in 2015, giving Mr. Kagame a chance to stay in power until 2034.

There had been little doubt that the 59-year-old would return to the helm of the east African nation which he has ruled with an iron fist since the end of the 1994 genocide.

Kagame is credited with transforming Rwanda, achieving impressive development gains. The president has also overseen an agenda that aims to transform the country from a low-income, agriculture-based economy into a service oriented one.

His two challengers have complained that their supporters have been intimidated, which they say explains the low turnout at their rallies.

The candidates have also accused some local authorities of undermining their campaigns.