In a significant political move, Burundi’s election commission has excluded opposition candidates from participating in upcoming elections, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced late Tuesday that candidates from the Burundi for All coalition, which was recognized by the interior ministry on December 17, will not be allowed to stand in June’s local elections.
The exclusion stems from the coalition’s affiliation with the National Freedom Council (CNL), an opposition party suspended by the government. CENI’s ruling specifies that three coalition members are directly linked to the banned party, violating electoral laws. The affected candidates are Agathon Rwasa, Euphrasie Mutenzinka, and Anatole Karorero, with the CNL confirming the exclusion of these candidates from a province.
Agathon Rwasa, a former presidential candidate and militia leader, is particularly controversial. He was ousted as CNL leader in March and is currently challenging the decision in court. Critics argue that the government’s actions aim to keep Rwasa out of the electoral race.
The ruling comes shortly after a December decree that imposes strict eligibility criteria for independent candidates, including a one-year party membership hiatus. Many political analysts believe the regulations were crafted specifically to prevent Rwasa’s participation.
Despite praise for President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s efforts to steer Burundi away from the isolationist policies of his predecessor, the country’s human rights record remains a matter of concern. Reports of repression against journalists, activists, and opposition members continue to surface.
As Burundi heads toward the polls, tensions between the government and opposition are escalating, setting the stage for a contentious election season.