For Kigali resident Charles Ndushabandi, Rwanda's upcoming general elections hold little meaning.
"I don't think there is much that will change. It is just a ritual that happens after a few years. Its all pre-determined," he told DW.
Rwandans will head to the polls on 15 July for presidential and parliamentary elections. President Paul Kagame has governed Rwanda with a firm grip for decades, securing presidential victories in the elections of 2003, 2010, and 2017. Each time, he recieved over 90% of the vote.
Ndushabandi believes the elections take place simply to "please the donors to show that there is some semblance of democracy."
When asked whether he expects a fair election, Ndushabandi said he thinks the meaning of "fair" is subjective.
"What is being fair? We have seen candidates denied the chance to stand. We have seen candidates who are trying to be independent being jailed," he said.
Jean Pierre Muganga, a university graduate who will be voting for the first time, also does not expect any suprising results.
"I am 100% sure that President Kagame will win again," the young graduate said. His sentiment is shared by most Rwandans.
"The expectation is that Rwandan Patriotic Front (Paul Kagame's party) will win because as it has been the case," he said.
The young voter believes the ruling party has proven itself to be successful in its........