Burundi’s human rights organization ALUCHOTO, has strongly criticized the outcome of Monday’s neighbourhood council elections, citing cases of immorality, corruption, and unethical conduct among some newly elected leaders.
Speaking to local radio station BONESHA FM earlier on Wednesday, the group’s national coordinator, Vianney Ndayisaba, expressed deep concern over what he described as blatant violations of the law and ethical norms during the electoral process.
According to Ndayisaba, several elected officials have previously been implicated in serious misconduct. He pointed to one re-elected leader who was once dismissed by the Prime Minister for abusing his authority to demolish homes in Mukaza commune, Bujumbura’s economic capital.
“Local citizens petitioned for his removal from the candidate list,” Ndayisaba revealed. “But their efforts failed because he allegedly bribed officials, including the commune leader.”
The human rights defender also highlighted controversial cases in Mpanda commune, Bujumbura province. He cited Ferdinand Dukundane, who allegedly ran for office despite not having completed a five-year sentence for human rights violations, and Jean-Marie Sindayigaya, accused of polygamy while his case is still before the courts.
Residents reportedly appealed to the Communal Electoral Commission (CECI) to review the candidates’ lists, but their requests were ignored.
“In Mpanda commune, two individuals about whom the population raised alarms to CECI were never removed,” Ndayisaba said. “They wield influence and financial power, which makes them untouchable. Letters were sent to CECI, but nothing was done.”
Under Article 173 of Burundi’s electoral code, candidates for hill council positions must enjoy a good reputation in their community, hold Burundian citizenship, and be at least 25 years old.
Monday’s vote saw over six million Burundians cast their ballots across 1,400 polling stations nationwide to elect local leaders for the country’s 3,044 hills, each represented by one council leader and two assistants.
This marks the final stage of Burundi’s 2025 general elections, a process that has been marred by controversy. The ruling CNDD-FDD party swept all seats in the National Assembly and Senate, securing over 90% of the vote, while opposition parties alleged widespread irregularities.
ALUCHOTO is calling on authorities to annul the election results in areas where irregularities were reported, warning against the influence of powerful individuals in grassroots governance.
“There should be no untouchable figures,” Ndayisaba stressed. “You cannot lead a community when its people have rejected you. If laws don’t apply equally and some people remain above the law, then Burundi is not moving forward. Hills are the foundation of governance.”
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