On Thursday, Burundians cast their votes for the 123-seat National Legislative Assembly, an election viewed as a crucial test of President Evariste Ndayishimiye's leadership. Ndayishimiye has held the presidency since the 2020 elections, having taken over the ruling party CNDD-FDD following the death of former president Pierre Nkurunziza.
While he is credited with ending Burundi's prolonged isolation, Ndayishimiye has faced criticism for his record on human rights. The government has tightly controlled this election, with one commentator noting that they are leaving nothing to chance.
The opposition has faced significant limitations, particularly with the removal of popular leader Agathon Rwasa while he was overseas in 2023. Numerous allegations suggest that this was the result of a government-supported internal coup within the party.
Human rights observers have condemned the significant intimidation faced by voters, particularly from the violent CNDD-FDD student organization. Burundi continues to grapple with several pressing issues, including soaring inflation, which has reached approximately 40%; chronic shortages of essential goods like oil; and a poverty rate of around 66%. These factors have contributed to increasing public discontent in the country.
Despite these challenges, Ndayishimiye’s party is almost guaranteed to win the presidential election. While casting his vote in Gitega province, the president remarked, “The population is driven by patriotic spirit; democracy is rooted in Burundi.” He suggested that the high voter turnout was a positive indicator. However, this perspective may not reflect the reality for everyone, as one voter expressed fear, stating, “Some officials check if you have voted.”
This election clearly shows that Burundi remains an authoritarian dictatorship under President Ndayishimiye, characterized by a single-party system.
