Burundians went to the polls Monday to elect local administrators, with the country’s electoral commission reporting that voting materials were in place nationwide and polling stations opened as scheduled.
Prosper Ntahorwamiye, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), said turnout at 6 a.m. was lower than in previous elections but expected participation to increase later in the day.
“I think that by 3 p.m. we will have a fairly considerable participation rate,” Ntahorwamiye told reporters.
He explained that illiterate voters are allowed by law to designate someone to write on their behalf, but warned that no one may self-appoint to assist voters. Ntahorwamiye also reminded the public that both a voter card and an identification document are required at polling stations.
CENI called on voters, candidates, election officials and journalists to respect the law throughout the process.
Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. and are set to close at 3 p.m., with results expected in the coming days once counting is complete. According to CENI, provisional results will be announced first, followed by a period for appeals. Final results are scheduled to be published in mid-September, with newly elected chiefs and councils to be formally installed by September 17.
