Burundi Electoral Commission announced the winner, here is what you should know
The Briefing Issue #93, Monday, May 25, 2020
This is the online version of RegionWeek for decision-makers and young professionals, a newsletter about depth and context to Burundi and East Africa stories— written by me, Fabrice Iranzi. You can sign up for your own subscription to get concise information about game-changing events and insights straight to your inbox:
Presidential candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi's ruling party, the National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) has won the May 20 Election securing 68.72% of the vote, the electoral commission said on Monday.
In a meeting that was broadcasted live on the National Television of Burundi(RTNB) from Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika in Bujumbura on Monday afternoon, the President of the Electoral commission Dr. Pierre Kazihise, in his open remarks thanked Burundi Government, Political parties and all Burundians in general for the crucial role they played in the electoral process.
He praised particularly the collaboration between the Commission and political parties that shows how democratic practices evolve each and every day. He lauded the support made by Religious communities and the civil society to the electoral process by educating voters.
He thanked the diplomatic community for their choice to support the process by observing the election amid coronavirus pandemic.
The results of the Presidential Election
Evariste Ndayishimiye (CNDD-FDD) - 68.72%
Agathon Rwasa (CNL) - 24.19%
Gaston Sindimwo (Uprona) - 1.64%
Domitien Ndayizeye (Kira Burundi) - 0.57%
Léonce Ngendakumana (FRODEBU) - 0.47%
Nahimana Dieudonné - 0.42%
Francis Rohero - 0.20%
Dr. Kazihise specifies that the results of the elections of the municipal councilors will be published at the Provincial CENI’s Offices. Among the presidential candidates of May 20, only Independent candidate Nahimana Dieudonne was present at the ceremonies held at Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika.
The results of the Legislative Election
According to CENI the results of the national legislative elections: 3 parties with 2% of the vote will sit at the National Assembly. The Cndd- Fdd comes first in the legislative elections with 72 seats, seconded by Cnl with 27 seats. UPRONA takes down 1 seat, in total 100 seats.
CNDD-FDD: 68.02%
CNL: 22.43%
UPRONA: 2.44%
For the respect of ethnic and gender balance, CENI will co-opt 21 Tutsi including 15 women, 6 men, and 3 of the Twa ethnic group in accordance with article 108 of the electoral code. A total of 124 MPs will sit in the lower house of parliament.
President-elect Speech
In a speech recorded and published on Cndd-Fdd SoundCloud accounts after the announcement of the results, President-elect, Evariste Ndayishimiye in his remarks congratulated Burundians.
“Burundi is no longer a student in Democracy but a Teacher who has now what it takes to share democratic knowledge.”
For him, the victory doesn’t belong to Cndd-Fdd, but to all Burundians and those who believe in Democracy all over the world. He noted that an election with an over 87% turnouts testifies how Burundians deeply understand democracy.
According to him, Burundians know that they hold in hands their future,
“a clear sign for the sovereignty and real Independence.” he emphasized
He thanked political parties on how they coordinated their members through the process by preaching tolerance and acceptance.
“This victory is for them too, as I announced during the campaign I will lead for all” he added
He reminded in the speech his promise to lead as a servant
“Once again promise you to listen to all Burundian from all side and to take into account all Ideas that can contribute to building our country”
To International Community, he asked to support a new step that Burundian has just made and to avoid anyone or initiatives that may take Burundi backward.
To Burundians, he called them to remain peaceful and united in their differences.
He made a particular call to all refugees, to get rid of their status by understanding that they are Burundian.
“Come home, let us Build Burundi together,” He said
Congratulatory Messages and reactions
CNL Party
Therence Manirambona, spokesman for the opposition National Freedom Council (CNL) said the party boycotted the announcement of results as it could not "back this farce", repeating allegations of "massive fraud" during Wednesday's election and the counting process.
"We have all the evidence and the real figures of these elections. We will seek justice," Manirambona told the German news agency DPA.
Rwasa already hinted he would not take to the streets in protest and would appeal to the Constitutional Court, though he considers the process imperfect. The final election results will be declared by the Constitutional Court on June 4.
UPRONA
On his twitter account, Uprona candidate Gaston Sindimwo said:
We take note of the results proclaimed by the CENI on this day and we warmly congratulate the winner Evariste Ndayishimiye. As P.L RWAGASORE said, after the competition, the place returns to the development of the country despite political diversity.
Our congratulations also go to the Badasigana (Uprona Members) who have placed their trust in us. We thank them very much and call on them to remain calm and to actively contribute to the development of our dear country Burundi.
FRODEBU
In a press statement Sahwanya-FRODEBU has taken note of the provisional results of the 2020 presidential and legislative elections in Burundi,published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
Thus, the Sahwanya-FRODEBU Party takes note of these provisional results. Waiting for the final results to be pronounced by the Constitutional Court, the Party Sahwanya-FRODEBU asks its activists to remain calm and consolidate peace wherever they are.
East African Community
The EAC takes note of the provisional results announced by CENI, congratulates the victory of the CNDD-FDD Party, has greatly appreciated the maturity of the candidates, and invites them to join their forces and wisdom to offer lasting peace and prosperity to the Burundian people.
Somalia’s President Message
Congratulations to Evariste Ndayishimiye, President-Elect of Burundi. We salute the courage of your people who insisted on their civic duty to vote despite COVID-19. The people of Somalia are eternally grateful for the many sacrifices your peacekeepers made for our country.
The Bottom Line
Evariste Ndayishimiye,52, a retired general, will take over from President Pierre Nkurunziza, after he beat the main opposition candidate Agathon Rwasa, and five others, avoiding a runoff by securing more than 50% of the vote.
Thanks for reading!
Fabrice Iranzi, RegionWeek.com
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