SOS Médias Burundi

Buhumuza, June 6, 2025 – Barely had the ballot boxes closed when tensions soared in Buhumuza. In this still politically fragile province, several parties denounced « serious irregularities » and already spoke of a vote « tainted by opacity. »

Tension quickly rose in several political headquarters on Thursday, as the first information on the conduct of the legislative and district elections began to circulate.

Several political parties active in the new province of Buhumuza, in the east of the small East African nation, are contesting the conduct of the district and legislative elections held onThursday.

Members of UPRONA, the CNL, RANAC, UPD Zigamabanga, and the FPI denounced irregularities they considered serious. According to them, the electoral process lacked transparency, particularly in some polling centers where operations allegedly took place without independent observers.

« We noticed anomalies as soon as the polling stations opened. Some of our proxies were rejected without any justification, » confided a CNL representative, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Local authorities have not yet officially responded to these accusations. For their part, local representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) maintain that the polls « generally took place peacefully, » with no major incidents reported.

An influential UPRONA official, met in Gasorwe, expressed his « sorrow and sadness » at the refusal of access, according to him, by youth members of the ruling party to several of his party’s representatives. « Our representatives were prevented from entering most polling centers and stations. A lack of transparency reigned from the start of operations at 6 a.m. until the vote count at 3 p.m., » he said.

Influential UPRONA members in the greater Muyinga district report that similar incidents were observed in almost every polling center, from the main town to the most remote areas. The party’s provincial secretariat and national leadership say they are aware of the situation.

Some of their members were even reportedly nearly arrested and went into hiding for several hours, fearing for their safety. Several of those who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi say they fear a certain Shabani Nimubona, an influential leader of the Imbonerakure, the youth league of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party, described as « the man who calls the shots » in the region.

They added that in several polling stations where they were able to vote, UPRONA reportedly received zero votes, even though they themselves claimed to have voted for their party. UPRONA leaders said they were « saddened » by the situation, but announced that they would speak out officially « at the appropriate time. »

The UPD Zigamabanga also reacted. In a brief statement, party officials spoke of « a climate of isolation » and « persistent obstacles to the free participation of opposition parties. »

In Ruyigi, RANAC also expressed its concerns. A party official, visibly outraged, feared for the future of the country, denouncing « an electoral farce. » Despite everything, the party called on the population to remain calm and go about their daily activities peacefully while awaiting the final results.

FPI members also expressed « saddening » and concern about possible future reactions. However, they prefer not to make any public comments for the time being.

As for independent observers, only representatives of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace were present at two polling stations visited by SOS Médias Burundi. Representatives of the Muslim community were also seen at a single polling station.

This wave of protests comes amid a tense political climate marked by fierce competition between parties in this newly created province, where the balance of power remains fragile.