Five major opposition parties in Burundi have announced a boycott of all meetings organized by the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) concerning preparations for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the commission lacks the credibility and competence to oversee a fair vote.
In a press release issued on Friday, the opposition parties — UPRONA, FRODEBU, CNL, CDP, and CODEBU — accused the electoral commission of failing to address irregularities that allegedly marred the 2025 legislative and communal elections.
The parties said they had previously submitted formal complaints to relevant authorities, including the President of the Republic, after the 2025 elections. However, they claim no adequate response was ever provided.
“Following the 2025 legislative and communal elections, we submitted appeals to the competent authorities, including the President of the Republic, denouncing serious shortcomings that undermined the credibility of the vote,” the statement read. “The lack of an appropriate response to these appeals raises serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral institutions.”
The opposition leaders further argued that the current composition and conduct of the CENI make it incapable of organizing elections that meet international standards of transparency and fairness.
“The current CENI, in both its composition and behavior, is not capable of organizing elections that meet the required standards of transparency and equity,” the statement added.
Opposition Demands Inclusive Political Dialogue
The five parties also called for an inclusive political dialogue before any further electoral preparations move forward. According to them, such discussions are essential to rebuild trust among political actors and ensure conditions for peaceful and credible elections.
“It is premature and inappropriate to continue preparations for the upcoming elections without first engaging in an inclusive political dialogue,” the parties said.
They stressed that the dialogue would help examine the irregularities reported during the 2025 elections, restore confidence among citizens and political stakeholders, and reform the institutional and legal framework governing elections in Burundi.
Until such talks are held, the opposition parties say they will no longer participate in meetings organized by the CENI regarding the 2027 presidential election.
“We consider it inappropriate to participate in consultation meetings related to preparations for the 2027 presidential election organized by the CENI,” the parties stated, reaffirming their commitment to “an inclusive, transparent, and credible democratic process.”
The opposition also criticized the electoral commission for continuing its activities “as if the shortcomings identified during previous elections had never existed,” warning that such an attitude could further damage the credibility of future electoral processes.
The parties called on President Évariste Ndayishimiye to intervene and facilitate an inclusive political dialogue aimed at addressing electoral grievances and restoring public confidence in Burundi’s electoral system.
CENI Defends Electoral Process
The statement was released while the CENI was holding a consultation meeting with electoral stakeholders, including political party leaders.
Although he did not directly address the opposition’s demands, CENI President Prosper Ntahorwamiye responded broadly to criticisms regarding previous elections.
“All criticisms, whatever they may be, are made because these elections actually took place,” Ntahorwamiye said.
He acknowledged that the elections may not have been “100 percent perfect” but defended the commission’s efforts.
“It’s true that not everything is perfect, but I consider democracy like a newborn child that gradually grows over time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CENI confirmed that Burundi’s presidential election is scheduled for May 3, 2027, while the inauguration of the elected president is planned for June 18, 2027.
Burundi held legislative and communal elections in June 2025. The results were contested by opposition parties, although some international observers validated the outcome despite noting several irregularities.
