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Burundi has set May 3, 2027, as the date of its next presidential election, according to an announcement by the country’s electoral commission on Friday.
The announcement was made during a meeting boycotted by opposition parties, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who assumed office in 2020 following the death of long-time leader Pierre Nkurunziza, is widely expected to seek another term after being selected in April as the candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD).
In a joint statement, opposition groups questioned the independence and conduct of the electoral commission, arguing that it was incapable of organising elections that would meet acceptable standards of fairness and transparency.
The opposition also maintained that preparations for the polls were premature in the absence of an inclusive political dialogue.
According to the timetable released by the commission, final results are expected on May 18, with the winner’s inauguration scheduled for June 18.
A second round of voting, if required, would take place on June 1, and the final results of the runoff would be announced on June 16.
Burundi, one of Africa’s poorest nations, has experienced years of political unrest and repression, although Ndayishimiye has attempted to reduce the influence of powerful military figures while retaining firm control of the government.
