Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FDD party has swept all 100 seats in the country’s latest parliamentary elections, according to official results, sparking outrage among opposition groups and election observers. The vote, which saw the CNDD-FDD claim over 96% of ballots, excluded the main opposition party CNL, which was suspended in 2023 over supposed irregularities. The CNL has since alleged that the election was marred by fraud, forced voting, and the jailing of observers. Critics, including other opposition parties and journalists, called the results a death blow to democracy, pointing to pre-filled ballots and implausible vote counts in some districts. The country’s president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, has been in power since 2020. His tenure has been marked by both transparency and authoritarianism.
France24
Outrage and Allegations of Fraud
The sweeping victory of Burundi’s CNDD-FDD party in the parliamentary elections has stirred outrage among opposition groups and election observers. Excluding the main opposition party CNL, which was suspended in 2023, raised allegations of fraud, forced voting, and intimidation tactics. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the suppression of opposition voices.
Questionable Election Practices
Reports of pre-filled ballots and suspiciously high vote counts in certain districts have cast a shadow over the credibility of the election results. Opposition parties and journalists have condemned the apparent lack of fairness and democratic principles in the electoral process, with many labeling it as a significant setback for democracy in Burundi.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s Tenure
Since assuming power in 2020, President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s leadership has been characterized by a mix of transparency and authoritarianism. While some praise his efforts to promote openness and accountability, others criticize his government’s heavy-handed approach towards dissenting voices and opposition parties.
