The Burundian Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has called on the civil society organizations to actively contribute to the success of the upcoming electoral process. CENI President Prosper Ntahorwamiye made this appeal on Wednesday during a civic education workshop organized for civil society organizations in Burundi’s economic capital Bujumbura.
Speaking at the event, Ntahorwamiye emphasized the crucial role of civil society in ensuring credible and transparent elections. He noted that civil society organizations recently signed a cooperation agreement with CENI, reinforcing their commitment to the electoral process. He highlighted the importance of their involvement, particularly in promoting informed decision-making among voters.
“In a democracy, civil society has a significant role to play,” Ntahorwamiye said according to the public broadcaster RTNB. “For example, they should be involved early in the electoral process by encouraging voter registration and enlightening citizens about candidates’ agendas to enable rational choices.”
Ntahorwamiye further explained that civil society’s role extends beyond voter education. He stressed the importance of their participation in monitoring elections to deter irregularities and promote public confidence in the electoral system.
“Civil society can observe elections to discourage malpractices, expose irregularities, provide accurate assessments of the election’s quality, and offer recommendations for future improvements,” he added. However, he cautioned against the manipulation of civil society groups for political interests, urging them to maintain impartiality and transparency in their activities.
Meanwhile, Vianney Ndayisaba, the coordinator of ALUCHOTO, a local civil society group fighting against unemployment and torture, announced during a press conference in Bujumbura earlier this week that his organization had received accreditation from CENI to observe the elections nationwide.
“ALUCHOTO has been authorized by the Independent National Electoral Commission to monitor elections across the country. This means we will not remain silent in the face of human rights violations. We are committed to exposing perpetrators and holding them accountable to the Burundian public and the international community,” Ndayisaba said.
With the legislative and municipal elections fast approaching, it is not yet known how many civil society organizations have received authorization to monitor the elections.
According to the 2025 election schedule published on CENI’s website, legislative and municipal council elections will be held on June 25, 2025, followed by the election of senators by municipal council members on July 23, 2025. Hill or neighborhood council elections and leadership elections will take place on August 25, 2025, in newly created constituencies following a recent reorganization of the country’s provinces.
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