With Burundi’s 2025 elections approaching, Kayanza Governor Rémy Cishahayo has called on administrative officials and law enforcement to uphold political freedom and ensure an impartial electoral process. Speaking at a meeting with local representatives on Monday, Cishahayo emphasized the importance of fostering a fair and democratic environment for all political parties.
“We urge everyone to do their part in ensuring that the elections take place under the best conditions,” said Governor Cishahayo. “Administrators and police officers must not interfere with political activities. If a party organizes a meeting, your role is to provide security and prevent disturbances—not to obstruct their events.”
Cishahayo reminded officials that political parties are not required to seek permission to hold meetings but only need to notify local administrators of the time and location. “We are a democracy. Let political parties meet freely, as long as their activities take place in appropriate public venues and do not overlap to cause tensions,” he added.
The governor also denounced reports of bias by local leaders and youth groups linked to the ruling party. He stressed that public spaces, such as community grounds, belong to the state and must be accessible to all parties.
The governor’s remarks come in the wake of accusations by the opposition party CDP, which claimed that local authorities in Mabanda Commune, Makamba Province in southern Burundi, disrupted one of its meetings in November. CDP leader Anicet Niyonkuru alleged that administrative officials and ruling party-aligned youth caused a delay in the meeting, which started two hours late.
In response, the Mabanda communal leader argued that the delay was due to a procedural misunderstanding. However, this incident has highlighted growing concerns over administrative neutrality as tensions rise ahead of the elections.
Earlier this month, Burundi’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference has also weighed in, urging peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity throughout the electoral period. In a recent statement, the bishops emphasized the need for social inclusion and raised alarm over the normalization of violence within communities.
In Ngozi Province, Governor Désiré Minani addressed youth affiliated with political parties at a workshop organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CNIDH) earlier this month. Minani urged them to reject provocation and embrace tolerance during the elections. The workshop focused on educating young people about their role in preventing human rights violations and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Burundi’s 2025 elections will kick off with parliamentary and municipal council elections on June 25, 2025. This will be followed by the election of senators by municipal council members on July 23, 2025, and the election of hill or neighborhood councils and their leaders on August 25, 2025.
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