Burundi’s ruling party,CNDD-FDD,has claimed all 100 contested seats in the 5 June parliamentary election,prompting outcry from opposition groups and rights organizations who allege systematic electoral fraud and political repression.
According to official results,CNDD-FDD secured 96.5% of the vote,with no other party surpassing the 2% threshold required for parliamentary representation. Opposition groups — including the sidelined National Congress for Liberty (CNL) and the Council of Patriots — reported pre-filled ballots,arrests of polling agents,and forced voter registration. In some districts,the ruling party reportedly received 100% of the vote with no invalid ballots,figures analysts say defy statistical plausibility.
The election was conducted amid what observers described as a climate of fear. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported widespread intimidation by the ruling party’s youth wing,the Imbonerakure,who allegedly coerced voters and blocked access to polling stations for opposition representatives and journalists. “Burundians voted in an atmosphere devoid of genuine political competition as the ruling party further consolidated power,” said Clémentine de Montjoye,senior Great Lakes researcher at HRW. “Against a backdrop of growing discontent over a deepening economic crisis and systemic human rights failings,the ruling party took no chances in the elections.”
Despite African Union praise for a “peaceful” vote,local civil society and media outlets noted press censorship,ballot stuffing,and exclusionary tactics that effectively eliminated political competition. President Évariste Ndayishimiye,in power since 2020,had promised reforms but now presides over a one-party state amid a worsening economic crisis marked by 40% inflation,fuel shortages,and rising public discontent. Analysts warn that the election results signal a dangerous entrenchment of authoritarianism under the guise of democratic process.
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