Burundi’s Parliament has recently validated the composition of the new Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), with the government spokesman, Prosper Ntahorwamiye, appointed as its president. This decision, however, has sparked controversy and criticism from the opposition.
The National Assembly approved the seven-member CENI by a large majority, following a similar endorsement by the Senate. This decision was met with disapproval from some members of the main opposition party, the Conseil national pour la liberté (CNL), who boycotted the vote, claiming a “violation of procedure”. The CNL’s criticism centered on the lack of consultation regarding the composition of the CENI, with CNL deputy Pamphile Malayika stating their refusal to participate in the vote due to this issue.
The approval of the CENI’s composition and the appointment of its president mark a significant step in Burundi’s political process, especially as the next legislative elections are scheduled for 2025. The formation of the CENI is crucial for the preparation and conduct of fair elections in the country.
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza is attended by a member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) at a polling station during the presidential, legislative and communal council elections, under the simmering political violence and the growing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Ngozi, Burundi May 20, 2020. © REUTERS/Clovis Guy Siboniyo
This development comes against a backdrop of a somewhat more open political environment since Evariste Ndayishimiye‘s ascent to power in June 2020, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza. Despite this perceived opening, a UN Commission of Inquiry reported in September 2021 that the human rights situation in Burundi remained “disastrous”.
Burundi, situated in the Great Lakes region, holds the distinction of being the world’s poorest country in terms of GDP per capita, according to the World Bank. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the political and electoral processes in the country.
The approval of the new CENI members without the consent of all MPs, particularly those from the coalition “Amizero y’Abarundi”, further highlights the existing political tensions. This decision, made without unanimous agreement among the members of the Parliament, underscores the challenges in achieving a fully inclusive and representative electoral process in Burundi.
