Burundi: Constitutional Court orders enthronement of elected president

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In Burundi, after the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza earlier this week, the Constitutional Court had to choose this Friday between an interim provided by the President of the National Assembly, in accordance with article 121 of the Constitution, or an interpretation of this which authorizes an immediate enthronement of the elected president. The suspense did not last long, the Court chose the first option which was favored by the Burundian regime. 

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Unsurprisingly, the Constitutional Court held that under current conditions, an interim president "  is not necessary  " . The main argument of the Court is to consider that the purpose of the interim - which is to organize an early election in the event of the vacancy of the final post of president - no longer exists as soon as Burundi already has '' an elected president. The Constitutional Court therefore ordered that General Evariste Ndayishimiye take the oath "  as soon as possible  ".

This ruling marks the end of the uncertainty that reigned over the succession of President Pierre Nkurunziza, who died unexpectedly on Monday June 8 of a "  cardiac arrest  " according to the Burundian government, while many other sources speak of Covid-19 .

His death occurred during the electoral process, just after the contested triple ballot of May 20, including a presidential election, and a series of other elections, including senatorial elections, on July 20.

►Also read : Death of Pierre Nkurunziza in Burundi: "The heart of the system remains stable"

The new Constitution of Burundi innovates with now a single vice-president and a Prime Minister. These new institutions and the government will first have to be approved by the newly elected parliament which is not yet in place.

While waiting for the electoral process to come to an end, the outgoing institutions remain "  in function  ", the Constitutional Court has decided. Meanwhile, the Burundian regime wants a quick enthronement of General Ndayishimiye, when the handover was originally scheduled for August 20. The induction ceremony should take place early next week, probably before Thursday, assured a senior Burundian executive. "  It is so that he is the one who conducts the funeral of his predecessor,  " he said.

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• Pierre Nkurunziza
• Evariste Ndayishimiye
• Burundi