Politics

Burundi: UK criticizes constitutional referendum and calls for government engagement in regional mediation

06-07-2018 On the occasion of the celebration of the Queen’s Birthday Party in Burundi this June 6th, 2018, Jo Lomas, UK non resident Ambassador to Burundi has said the UK has criticized the recently held constitutional referendum saying it was not in the best interests of peace and stability in (...)

Two local SCOs concerned over contributions to 2020 elections

06-07-2018 Following the publication of the provisional amount to be used in 2020 elections, civil society organizations raise concerns over transparency on how the contributions are made. Gabriel Rufyiri, Chairman of OLUCOME, a local corruption watchdog, says the Finance Ministry should establish the final amount that will be used in (...)

Burundi: About BIF 70 billion to be used in 2020 elections

06-06-2018 Domitien Ndihokubwayo, Burundi Minister of Finances and Planning has said the amount necessary for the 2020 elections is about BIF 70 billion. He says this amount is indicative of the fact that the National Independent Electoral Commission- CENI is collecting all the kits used in the 17 May referendum (...)

National Assembly to comply with new Constitution

06-05-2018 Burundian parliamentarians will return to the parliamentary holidays in July. “We have to comply with the new Constitution,” said Pascal Nyabenda, Speaker of the National Assembly on June 4 when opening the ordinary session for June. He has said Article 179 of the new constitution recently adopted in the (...)

Constitutional Court validates referendum results

06-04-2018 The final results of the constitutional referendum of May 17 were announced this Thursday, May 31. Unsurprisingly, the Constitutional Court validated the provisional results as given by the electoral commission. The verdict was differently appreciated. The Constitutional Court decided that the referendum was conducted in accordance with the law. (...)

Current socio-political situation proves democracy is undermined, says FRODEBU deputy chairman

06-01-2018 On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the victory of the political party Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU) in presidential elections held on June1, 1993, Léonce Ngendakumana, deputy chairman of the party has said democracy is undermined in Burundi. He believes that the present socio-political situation in (...)

Constitutional Court validates referendum results

05-31-2018 Charles Ndagijinama, President of the Constitutional Court has declared the 17 May Constitutional referendum was held in accordance with the law. “The 17 May Constitution is approved at 73.24%,” he says. Out of 96.19 % of voters, 73.24% voted for the constitutional amendment while 19.37% voted against it. Null (...)

Burundi optimistic about EAC court of justice’s verdict

05-29-2018 The East African Court of Justice announced that it would have to reexamine a case about President Pierre Nkurunziza’s third term this May 24, 2018. Nestor Kayobera, lawyer of Burundi government, says the latter is ready to go to court and is optimistic that it will win the case (...)

CNARED committed to restoring Arusha Agreement and 2005 Constitution

05-29-2018 Following the 17 May Constitutional referendum, CNARED executive board members met from 25th to 27th May to discuss the strategies for restoring the Arusha Agreement and of the 2005 Constitution. Pancrace Cimpaye, Spokesperson for CNARED says the platform has changed its appellation and extended the term in office. “Instead (...)

The referendum, and what next?

05-28-2018 The opposition coalition “Amizero y’Abarundi” filed on Thursday 24 May 2018, a complaint to the Constitutional Court against serious irregularities occurred in the referendum and requested the court to invalidate the results. After the political battle, the clash erupts on the legal ground. The coalition wants to exhaust all (...)