Burundi elections: poll held in a tense climate

Text by: RFI Follow

No figures yet but the Burundians seem to have moved en masse for the triple ballot of this Wednesday, May 20: municipal, legislative elections and the first round of the presidential election. Back on this voting day.

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It all started well this Wednesday morning at dawn, where we could see long lines of voters waiting quietly for the opening time of the polling stations at 6:00 am local time, 4:00 am GMT. The only concession to the Covid-19 pandemic raging in this country which claims to be protected by "divine grace", hand washing in places.

But very quickly during the day, the main opposition party came up to denounce "  massive fraud  " throughout the country: arrest of dozens of its political representatives responsible for ensuring the smooth running of voting operations, expulsion of these offices dozens of others, others still beaten up, ballot box stuffing, multiple votes or improper use of proxies. Independent journalists and on-site witnesses confirmed the allegations.

► Read also: Elections in Burundi: civil society concerned about the risk of violence

But it was impossible for the CNL of Agathon Rwasa to make its voice heard before the authorities or the CENI, while these elections were held "  behind closed doors " , according to diplomats.

No international observation missions, nor independent national observers, apart from a few diplomats from friendly countries. Prohibition to take photos at polling stations, and since dawn, cut social networks.

Reporters Without Borders denounces this Wednesday evening "  a digital camera which deprives journalists and citizens of a media essential to the credibility of the ballot  ". Undaunted, the Burundi police and the CENI welcomed all day long polls which took place in very good conditions, regretting "  minor incidents  " in the assets, according to them, of the only party of Agathon Rwasa.

Seven candidates were in the running for the first round of this presidential election. President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has ruled the country since 2005, does not stand for re-election: the CNDD / FDD power candidate is Évariste Ndayishimye with Agathon Rwasa as his main competitor.

► Elections 2020: Burundi on the eve of a change?

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• Burundi
• Pierre Nkurunziza

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