As Burundi gears up for its 2025 general elections, the country’s electoral commission has announced a symbolic launch to mark the beginning of campaign activities: a national parade of political party representatives set for May 9 in Gitega.
But beneath the surface of patriotic anthems and party banners lies growing unease among opposition leaders over what they describe as an uneven electoral playing field.
CENI President Prosper Ntahorwamiye, speaking on Friday, May 2, emphasized the importance of the parade as a step toward ensuring credible elections.
“The parade of representatives of political parties to launch the electoral campaign is to prepare for peaceful, transparent, credible and democratic elections,” he declared.
The event is expected to feature all political candidates and their party members, with the attendance of President Évariste Ndayishimiye adding political gravitas.
However, the atmosphere at the CENI briefing was far from celebratory.
Many political leaders showed visible signs of discontent, with murmurs and silent protests echoing through the room.
Patrick Nkurunziza, head of the Burundi Bwa Bose Coalition, expressed concern over the apparent lack of representation for opposition parties at polling stations.
His remarks were echoed by Olivier Nkurunziza, president of the Uprona party, who described his party’s presence in the electoral apparatus as “insignificant or even non-existent.”
The tension reached a boiling point when Uprona’s leader began listing polling stations where his party had some representation.
In response, Patrick Nkurunziza raised his voice, remarking that at least he had “some members of his party at the head of some polling stations,” a rare privilege among opposition ranks.
In defense, CENI’s president denied the claim that polling stations were dominated solely by ruling party affiliates.
“There are good things for which these politicians should be grateful,” he said, stressing that the focus should be on winning the support of the electorate.
He invoked past election results to bolster his point. “In 1993, Uprona did everything to win but it was Frodebu who won these elections.
And in 2005, Frodebu and Uprona spared no effort to win, but it was the CNDD-FDD who won these elections hands down,” Ntahorwamiye reminded his audience.
Meanwhile, logistical shifts add to the uncertainty.
The distribution of reader cards, initially set for May 5–7, has been postponed to May 12–14, 2025.
This delay further stirs apprehension among voters and parties alike, as the clock ticks down to what promises to be one of the most closely watched elections in Burundi’s recent history.
Source: iwacu-burundi
