Voter turnout was 98.20% among approximately nine million registered voters, the National Electoral Commission reported.

The two other candidates, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana, received 0.5% and 0.32% of the vote, respectively.

The final election results are expected to be announced by July 27.

Kagame, who previously received over 93% of the vote in the past three elections, has been commended by Western and regional leaders for his efforts in ending the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and transforming the country into a promising destination for investment and aid.

However, he has faced criticism due to allegations of support for M23 rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, charges that he has consistently denied.