Rwanda's electoral system
September’s parliamentary elections delivered a comfortable victory for President Paul Kagame’s ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and its allies, as well as the first seats in parliament for the country’s only registered opposition party. The peaceful and well-managed polls were hailed by international observers as a sign of democratic progress. However, this positive view obscures the extent to which the election system only reinforces ruling party supremacy.
Rwanda will extend its international outreach, including efforts to improve difficult relationships such as with France.
Rwanda’s desire to portray itself as a progressive force will also underpin its drive to become a major ICT hub.
Insecurity and tense relations in the Great Lakes region will pose a persistent threat to Rwanda’s internal security.
