Burundi Holds Tense Presidential Election Amid High Stakes and Restrictions
Burundi is holding a significant presidential election aimed at achieving its first democratic transition in 58 years. Amid political tensions and the pandemic, Burundians are voting while the government restricts international monitors and communication. Concerns over electoral fraud and violence persist, particularly after a tumultuous election history.
Voting commenced in Burundi for a tense presidential election, marking a potential transition to democracy after 58 years. The election commission urged a peaceful voting process amidst rising political tensions and the ongoing pandemic. Voters lined up outside polling stations that opened at 6 am local time to select a new president, parliamentarians, and local councilors, who will subsequently appoint Senate members.
The election aims for a historic shift with President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is stepping down after 15 years in office amid numerous allegations of human rights abuses. His successor from the ruling CNDD-FDD party, retired Army General Evariste Ndayishimiye, competes against opposition leader Agathon Rwasa and five other candidates. CENI chairman Pierre Claver Kazihise encouraged citizens, saying, “We need good elections.”
The government imposed restrictions on election monitoring, rejecting observers from the UN and African Union due to perceived bias. Activists were warned against gathering near polling places. Social media access was restricted prior to voting as a preventive measure against unrest. Each polling station utilized distinct colored ballot boxes for the presidential, legislative, and local elections.
Burundi’s last election in 2015 led to severe international backlash due to President Nkurunziza’s controversial third-term bid, resulting in violence and widespread human rights violations. As Rwasa emphasized electoral integrity in his final rally, concerns about intimidation and reported electoral fraud circulated among various parties. The UN and AU expressed worries about escalating violence between competing factions.
With minimal election observers allowed due to new quarantine regulations and the expulsion of the WHO’s national director, the election’s transparency may be compromised. Burundi has recorded only 42 coronavirus cases, but testing remains exceedingly low, drawing scrutiny regarding the public health response and election conduct, given the low testing rate of 633 tests conducted so far.
Burundi’s presidential election signifies a pivotal moment towards potential democratic transition after decades of instability. The process occurs against a backdrop of political violence and health concerns due to COVID-19. Authorities face criticism for limiting international oversight and silencing dissent. The integrity of the electoral process is under scrutiny as opposition voices raise alarms about possible fraud and intimidation, echoing concerns from previous elections.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
