Emmanuel Sinzohagera, President of the Burundian Senate, announced that the Senate would continue to conduct investigations aimed at preventing electoral conflicts, strengthening peace and security, and promoting national unity. Speaking at a workshop on electoral disputes and the consolidation of peace and security organized in collaboration with the International Christian Ministries (ICM) in Burundi’s political capital, Gitega earlier on Tuesday, Sinzohagera emphasized the Senate’s concern about the tensions that often arise during election periods, leading to disagreements among different groups in the country.
“We aim to provide guidance, especially to political actors, urging them to avoid divisive rhetoric or insults and to respect election laws while accepting the people’s choice during voting,” Sinzohagera said, according to local broadcaster Bonesha FM.
The Senate’s speaker underscored the importance of impartiality and adherence to electoral laws. “We remind leaders and administrative officials that they bear great responsibility and must remain neutral. They are expected to respect the law and provide guidance when necessary. We also call on members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to treat all candidates fairly, respect the law, and make timely decisions without favoritism,” he added.
This call for neutrality echoes a similar statement made by the local civil society ALUCHOTO on Monday during a press conference in Burundi’s economic capital Bujumbura. The group urged CENI to maintain its neutrality and ensure that the electoral process remains free and fair. “Free and fair elections require CENI to act as a neutral referee, ensuring that all candidates accept the results with integrity,” said ALUCHOTO’s national Coordinator Vianney Ndayisaba in a statement.
Reflecting on past and upcoming elections, Sinzohagera noted that the Senate has observed complaints from participants about the electoral process, with some refusing to participate without valid reasons. This sentiment was also echoed by ALUCHOTO, which pointed to the challenges of past elections, particularly in 2015, when political violence, mass arrests, and forced exiles marred the electoral landscape.
Aluchoto stressed that elections should not be a source of fear or instability but rather a foundation for democratic progress. The organization warned against electoral violence, urging political leaders to educate their supporters on peaceful conduct and avoid inflammatory language that could incite hatred or division among Burundians.
As Burundi prepares for the 2025 elections, political party leaders and coalitions have expressed growing concerns about security and political tolerance. The Burundi Bwa Bose coalition recently called on President Evariste Ndayishimiye to ensure a fair opportunity to participate in the elections. The coalition also urged the Constitutional Court to closely monitor CENI’s actions to ensure compliance with electoral laws.
“We appeal to the Constitutional Court to hold CENI accountable for its actions and to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and inclusive,” the coalition said, warning that any negative consequences from poorly organized elections would be the responsibility of those contributing to irregularities.
In December, the opposition party Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP), condemned the alleged “unjust” arrest of two of its members in Makamba province in southern Burundi. The party claimed the arrests were politically motivated and aimed at intimidating potential candidates. “These are baseless accusations meant to intimidate potential candidates,” CDP leader Anicet Niyonkuru argued, explaining that party members often entrust their identity cards to representatives for photocopying due to limited access to these services in rural areas.
During the meeting in Gitega, Sinzohagera also addressed the importance of leadership accountability and peaceful transitions of power. He urged political leaders to reflect on whether they are ready to relinquish power peacefully, emphasizing the need for transparency and integrity.
“I am ready to hand over my responsibilities as the Senate President with transparency and serenity. I will show my successor the work accomplished, and if desired, I can even serve as an advisor,” Sinzohagera said, encouraging political leaders to prioritize national interests over personal gains.
He criticized certain authorities who, after leaving office, misuse public assets or seek to eliminate rivals. “It is regrettable that some leaders care only about their personal interests. We must not let pride destroy what we have built. Instead, we should allow others to build on these foundations,” he said.
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