As Burundi prepares for this year’s legislative and communal elections, local civil society organization ALUCHOTO on Monday issued a strong call for a peaceful and transparent electoral process. In a press release, the organization urged President Evariste Ndayishimiye to ensure that elections are conducted fairly, emphasizing the need for security forces and judicial institutions to remain impartial and protect all Burundians without political interference.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the security forces and the judiciary, President Ndayishimiye holds the responsibility to instruct security institutions to protect all Burundians while refraining from political interference,” said Vianney Ndayisaba, ALUCHOTO’s national coordinator in a statement. ALUCHOTO warned against the misuse of security forces for political gains and stressed that law enforcement agencies must act as neutral guardians of public order.
The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to maintain neutrality and ensure that the electoral process remains free and fair. “A free and fair election requires CENI to act as a neutral referee, ensuring that all candidates accept the results with integrity,” the statement continued. It also urged CENI to allow media outlets and independent election observers to freely report on the process without interference.
In December, Burundi’s media regulatory body, the CNC, issued a directive prohibiting both local and international reporters from announcing election results before their official release by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), sparking mixed reactions among media professionals.
Aluchoto’s appeal comes amid concerns raised by political parties and civil society groups about rising political tensions. In January, political party leaders voiced alarm over increasing incidents of violence against their members. During a meeting with Interior Minister Martin Niteretse and CENI President Prosper Ntahorwamiye, party representatives called for immediate measures to ensure a safe and tolerant electoral environment. Many warned that unchecked political violence could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
In a separate development, the Burundi Organization for the Defense of Children’s Rights (OIDEB) warned against the exploitation of students in political campaigns. OIDEB’s coordinator, Félix Sindayigaya, highlighted how students were being mobilized by political parties, distracting them from their education. “Students must focus on their studies rather than be swayed by the agendas of political figures,” Sindayigaya said, urging parents to monitor their children’s involvement in political activities.
ALUCHOTO’s statement also reflected on Burundi’s past electoral challenges, particularly the 2015 elections, which were marred by political violence, mass arrests, and forced exiles. The organization emphasized that elections should not be a source of fear or instability but rather a foundation for democratic progress.
“Elections should not result in unjust imprisonments, abductions, killings, or forced displacements. Instead, they must serve as a mechanism for peace and democracy, allowing Burundians to freely choose their leaders without fear or intimidation,” ALUCHOTO said.
The civil society group also called on politicians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and acts of provocation that could incite violence. It urged political leaders to educate their supporters on peaceful conduct and accept election results with dignity. “Losing an election should not lead to chaos or violence,” the statement emphasized. “We condemn any practice where politicians exploit the poor to commit acts of violence while sending their own children to elite schools abroad.”
Leave a comment