The European Union (EU) has called on Burundi’s National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a transparent, free, and fair manner. This appeal was made by Elisabetta Pietrobon, the EU Ambassador to Burundi, after her meeting with the Speaker of the Senate of Burundi on Thursday.
During the meeting, Ambassador Pietrobon emphasized the importance of the 2025 elections for the people of Burundi, highlighting the critical role that these elections will play in shaping the country’s future. “2025 is a significant year for Burundi because, in a few months, we will have parliamentary and legislative elections. This is an important moment for the Burundian people to express themselves about their future through the elections for the National Assembly and the Senate,” Pietrobon said, adding that the EU attaches great importance to these elections.
The EU Ambassador also spoke on the state of relations between the EU and Burundi, acknowledging the positive and fruitful dialogue between the two parties. “We have discussed the elections and the role of Parliament, and also the very good relations between the European Union and Burundi. We have a very constructive dialogue with all the authorities,” she said.
Belgium’s Ambassador to Burundi, Michael Wimmer, echoed similar sentiments during a visit to Radio Télé Isanganiro. He, too, called for elections that are as transparent and open as possible, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to participate. “We, along with the European Union and most international donors and partners of Burundi, call for the most transparent and inclusive elections. We want to ensure that everyone has the chance to express themselves and that a wider number of people can also participate in these elections so that they truly reflect the will of the population,” Wimmer emphasized.
The 2025 elections will follow a specific timetable set by the CENI. The parliamentary and municipal council elections are scheduled for June 05, 2025, followed by the election of senators by municipal council members on July 23, 2025. The election of hill or neighborhood councils and their leaders will take place on August 25, 2025. The presidential election is expected to occur in 2027.
The EU’s call for free and fair elections comes after years of tension in relations between the EU and Burundi. In 2015, the EU condemned the violent repression of opposition protests following President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid for a third term, which many considered unconstitutional. This led the EU to suspend direct financial assistance to Burundi in 2016, citing violations of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
However, relations began to improve in 2020 following Burundi’s peaceful general elections. The EU recognized the progress made by the Burundian government regarding human rights, governance, and the return of refugees. In response, the EU partially lifted its restrictions and resumed cooperation with the Burundian administration.
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