22/08/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Sunday 6 August, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service welcomed the holding of presidential elections in Rwanda on 4 August, which saw the re-election of Paul Kagame with over 98% of the votes cast. Stating that the Rwandan people had engaged in the democratic process peacefully, with polling held in an organised and secure environment, the spokesperson said that these elections mark "a step to strengthen the electoral process". However, in view of future elections, "the EU expects further efforts to increase the inclusiveness and transparency of the process", in particular as regards the registration of the candidates and the tabulation of results, the spokesperson added in a press release. The EU supports the recommendations made by the African Union electoral observation mission and remains ready to support Rwanda to meet these objectives. (CG)