In a push for a fourth term in office as Rwandan president, Paul Kagame emerged as the presidential candidate of the ruling party, Rwandan Patriotic Front, ahead of the July election in the East African country.

Mr Kagame, 66, emerged as his party’s flag bearer unopposed during the Rwandan Patriotic Front congress on Saturday.

“The burden of responsibility to lead our country can be equated to a shock absorber against the challenges we face daily. It requires the right mindset,” Mr Kagame said in his acceptance of his party nomination. 

“I accept this burden of responsibility, but with a call to get someone to relieve me of this responsibility,” he added.

With Rwanda’s presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for July 15, Mr Kagame is in the race for the fourth time to serve another seven years. If he wins, he will remain in office until 2031. 

Mr Kagame doubles as president and chairman of his party. He assumed power over two decades ago, consecutively winning presidential elections in 2003, 2010 and 2017.