Agathon Rwasa, a historic figure in Burundi’s opposition politics, has been excluded from participating in the 2025 legislative elections under the Coalition Burundi Bwa Bose, a political alliance recently formed by four opposition parties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) ruled Rwasa’s candidacy, along with that of his coalition members, ineligible, citing breaches of the electoral code and the law governing political parties.
In a statement, CENI highlighted irregularities, including the affiliation of certain coalition candidates with the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), an opposition party not formally part of the coalition. “The list of parliamentary candidates includes sitting members of the National Assembly representing the CNL party, which is not a member of the coalition. This contradicts Article 112 of the electoral code and Article 7 of the law on political parties,” the commission said.
Article 7 of the law on political parties prohibits individuals from “affiliating with more than one political party at a time.” Article 112 of the electoral code adds that “the mandate of a deputy may likewise end if they voluntarily leave the party under which they were elected or are excluded from it after exhausting all avenues of appeal before the competent courts.”
The Coalition Burundi Bwa Bose has condemned CENI’s decision, alleging a misinterpretation of the Electoral Code and announcing plans to appeal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CODEBU-ABAHIZI party, a member of the coalition, criticized the decision, saying: “We appeal against the outright rejection of our lists for the legislative elections due to a misinterpretation of the electoral code.” The party further alleged “hidden realities” behind the refusal: “The rejection of all the coalition’s lists for the communal elections, including those already approved by the independent provincial electoral commissions (CEPI), hides another reality!”
Rwasa, a parliamentarian and former leader of the CNL, expressed his intention to run under the new coalition during a recent online broadcast. He emphasized his right to participate as a citizen aiming to contribute to change through the coalition.
“Since elections are open to all Burundians, I am free to join any party or political platform that aims to bring about change in the current situation. It is with this perspective that I am participating in these elections as a Burundian citizen from the ‘Burundi Bwa Bose’ coalition, ” he said.
Known for his resilience in the face of political adversity, Rwasa has been a central figure in Burundi’s opposition for over two decades. As the founder of the CNL and a former rebel leader, he has faced repeated expulsion from political parties he helped establish.
Earlier this year, Rwasa was removed from the leadership of the CNL, sparking internal divisions. This mirrors past controversies, such as his 2010 ousting from the leadership of the National Liberation Front (FNL), which he accused the ruling authorities of orchestrating to block his political ambitions. CENI’s decision to disqualify 15 parliamentary candidates associated with Rwasa’s faction has led to the disqualification of the entire coalition.
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