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Kirundo : missing voter cards spark outrage as elections approach

SOS Médias Burundi

Kirundo, May 28, 2025 – One week before the legislative and district elections, the atmosphere is tense in Kirundo province (northern Burundi). Many voters say they still have not received their voter cards, fueling anger, frustration, and suspicions of manipulation.

In several districts, particularly in Busoni, citizens are denouncing the absence of their cards, which are essential for voting. « Why do some have their cards and others don’t? We are all Burundians and we all have the right to vote, » exclaims one resident, holding his ID card but without his voter card.

According to consistent accounts, this situation affects a significant proportion of voters, who fear being excluded from the democratic process.

Accusations of targeted manipulation

Activists of the CNDD-FDD (the ruling party), speaking on condition of anonymity, raise an even more worrying situation : according to them, the missing cards primarily affect opposition supporters, particularly those of the CNL (National Congress for Liberty), as well as citizens deemed to be inactive politically.

According to these sources, some cards were intentionally assigned to members of the ruling party, allowing some to vote multiple times—a serious accusation that jeopardizes the fairness of the election.

A fraudulent system known to officials?

The same sources suggest that this strategy is known to the secretary general of the CNDD-FDD and other senior provincial officials. On the opposition side, several local officials also claim to have been alerted to these irregularities. Political tensions are already brewing in the province, with a growing climate of mistrust between the sides.

Threats of voting disruption

Some voters, angered by what they describe as electoral discrimination, are threatening to boycott or even disrupt the elections if the situation is not corrected. « We will not stand by while others vote in our place, » warns a young CNL activist.

Within the ranks of the CNDD-FDD, some fanatical activists no longer hide their confidence : « The elections are already over, » they say, suggesting that the result is already certain.

A crisis of electoral confidence in the making

The Provincial Electoral Commission has so far remained silent, despite the growing number of complaints. However, to avoid a conflagration or a post-election crisis, the transparency and fairness of the process must be ensured. Respect for the right to vote of all citizens is crucial to guaranteeing the legitimacy of future institutions.