As Burundi heads into legislative and communal council elections scheduled in just three days, opposition parties are raising alarm over what they describe as a deeply flawed campaign period, warning that incidents of intimidation and political intolerance have marred the lead-up to the vote. Meanwhile, the ruling CNDD-FDD party has praised the process, describing it as a testament to Burundi’s democratic maturity.
The official campaign period ended on Monday, bringing weeks of rallies, speeches, and political showdowns to a close. But for the opposition, the mood is far from celebratory.
“The president called for a calm and tolerant campaign season. Unfortunately, what we witnessed was far from that,” said Térence Manirambona, spokesperson for the National Congress for Liberty (CNL). “Our convoys were attacked on the way to campaign events. Such acts threaten the very freedom and fairness that should define a democratic process.”
Despite these concerns, the CNL says it remains committed to participating in the elections.
“Come rain or shine, we will be part of this process,” Manirambona said. “We call on all Burundians to be courageous and go vote.”
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), along with local authorities and the police, to ensure election day is free of the irregularities seen during the campaign.
In stark contrast, President Évariste Ndayishimiye — who also chairs the council of elders within the ruling CNDD-FDD party — painted a positive picture of the campaign.
“As we wrap up this campaign, let us thank God. What we’ve seen shows that Burundi has reached political maturity,” Ndayishimiye said during the CNDD-FDD’s closing rally on Saturday. “There’s no hostility. People are calm. This shows how much the mindset of Burundians has changed.”
But the optimism from the ruling party hasn’t convinced everyone. The opposition coalition Burundi Bwa Bose accused CNDD-FDD of trying to turn the country into a one-party state.
“We’ve heard the party’s secretary-general say they aim to remain the only political force in the country, claiming it’s the best path to development,” said Kefa Nibizi, spokesperson for the coalition. “That statement alone shows that democracy is not part of their priorities.”
Nibizi went further, accusing the ruling party of working to erase political pluralism.
“This is about monopolizing political space by silencing all other parties. That’s why we’re urging citizens to stay alert and reject this vision outright,” he added.
Meanwhile, international observers have started arriving in Burundi to monitor the election. Delegations from the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) touched down in Bujumbura on Monday.
“We’re here to recognize the importance of this process and express our support for the Burundian people,” said Mériton Vincent Emmanuel Angelin, head of the AU delegation and former Vice President of the Seychelles, upon his arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. “This election is a critical step in strengthening democracy and advancing the nation’s goals.”
Leave a comment