BUJUMBURA, Burundi (Burundi Times) — Nearly six million Burundians went to the polls on Thursday, June 5, to elect 100 lawmakers and 1,050 district councilors across the East African nation, amid largely calm conditions. However, opposition party CNL (National Congress for Liberty) has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Polling began at 6 a.m. in over 14,000 stations spread across the country’s new provinces—Buhumuza, Bujumbura, Butanyerera, Burunga, and Gitega—and was expected to end by 3 p.m. A media synergy consisting of 30 radio stations, seven TV stations, and 30 print and online outlets reported that voting proceeded peacefully in most areas.
According to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Prosper Ntahorwamiye, a total of 9,662 candidates—including those from political parties, coalitions, and independents—contested in the legislative and district-level races.
Each of Burundi’s 42 districts is represented by 25 councilors.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye cast his vote in Musama, his native village in Giheta district, Gitega province. “Voting is a civic duty. Someone who doesn’t participate in elections has no interest in the future of the country,” he said. The president urged the eventual winners to “govern for all and not just for their parties or supporters.”
While CENI described the elections as largely peaceful, it acknowledged isolated incidents, including a case in Bubanza province where a polling station official allegedly slapped a voter. Additionally, an African Union observer team was reportedly denied entry to a polling station at Lycée International in Bujumbura.
“If this is true, I apologize for the inconvenience. Investigations are underway,” said Ntahorwamiye.
CNL Alleges Widespread Irregularities
In a statement issued Thursday, the opposition CNL party, led by Secretary General Léopold Hakizimana, commended the civic enthusiasm shown by Burundians but expressed deep concern about irregularities that it says “undermine the credibility” of the elections.
The statement cited several allegations, including:
- Violation of ballot secrecy and pressure on voters to support the ruling party;
- Expulsion or denial of access to CNL representatives at polling stations;
- Voting on behalf of others, with or without voter cards;
- Seizure of voter cards from CNL supporters;
- Distribution and use of pre-marked ballots bearing the ruling party’s imprint;
- Arbitrary arrests of CNL agents.
“Despite the determination of Burundians to bring about positive change, these elections were marred by serious flaws that discredit the results,” said the CNL statement. “We call upon the organizers to take responsibility.”
Additional elections are scheduled later this year. Senatorial elections will take place on July 23, followed by communal-level elections on August 25. The next presidential election is planned for 2027.
By Apollinaire Niyirora and Burundi Times
