President Évariste Ndayishimiye said Friday that preparations for Burundi’s 2027 presidential election are progressing under a spirit of consensus after chairing a meeting with political party leaders, the country’s electoral commission and government administrators, even as opposition parties continue to voice concerns about the electoral process.
In a post on X, Ndayishimiye said the meeting reviewed commitments made during consultations held in May and assessed progress toward organising the presidential election.
“I have just chaired a meeting of frank and constructive exchanges with the leaders of the Political Parties, the CENI, and the Administration, in order to assess our common commitments made during our meeting last May,” the president wrote.
“I am pleased with the progress recorded and with the evident willingness of all stakeholders to organize the presidential election under the best possible conditions. Together, let us continue this consensual work in service of our democracy and our dear homeland. Burundi is moving forward, united in action.”
The meeting comes as Burundi steps up preparations for the presidential election scheduled for May 3, 2027, following the publication of the electoral calendar by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
The president’s optimistic assessment contrasts with concerns previously raised by several opposition parties over the electoral process. During consultations with Ndayishimiye in May, opposition leaders from parties including CNL, UPRONA, FRODEBU, CDP and CODEBU said discussions with the head of state had failed to adequately address their recommendations for ensuring a credible election.
Those parties have also questioned the composition and independence of the electoral commission, arguing it is not capable of organizing elections that meet internationally accepted standards of transparency and fairness. Opposition representatives boycotted a CENI meeting in May at which the commission announced the date of the 2027 presidential election.
Burundi Times has previously reported that opposition parties have called for greater political dialogue, reforms to electoral institutions and stronger guarantees for an inclusive electoral process ahead of the 2027 vote.
The government, however, has maintained that preparations are progressing in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws. Friday’s meeting appeared intended to demonstrate continued engagement between the presidency, political parties and election officials as the country moves closer to the campaign period.
Ndayishimiye, who was endorsed earlier this year as the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s candidate, is expected to seek a second presidential term of seven years.
