KIGALI, Rwanda

Campaigning for the Rwandan presidency continued Thursday with incumbent President Paul Kagame rallying voters in a bid for a fourth term against two other candidates.

Kagame, a candidate of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), is running against Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate.

The two challengers sought the presidency in 2017.

Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, told a crowd of voters in southern Rwanda that his reelection means security, unity of Rwandans, not reverting Rwanda to its dark history and sustained development.

The RPF's manifesto said for the next five years the party will build on what has been achieved toward the country's National Vision 2050 which aims to achieve sustainable development and a better quality of life for every Rwandan.

Kagame, 66, won the last election in 2017 with 98.63% of the vote, according to official figures. A constitutional amendment in 2015 changed the presidential term from seven years to five beginning in 2024.

He has accused the West of adopting “double standards” on democracy, in response to criticism that he clings to power.

A three-week campaign will run until July 13.

The presidential and parliamentary polls will be conducted on July 15 for about 9.5 million eligible voters.