The moment of truth!
We are Wednesday, May 20, 2020!
Dear RegionWeek Reader,
It is a special day for Burundians who will decide in the coming hours their President for the next 7 years. It is a new season for democracy that comes with challenges and opportunities.
Will this time Burundi get a strong opposition that can contribute responsibly in building the institutions, processes, and behaviors that are vital for genuine multi-party competition?
For the first time in history, Burundians have funded at 100% their electoral process, this may be the first step toward real independence.
I chatted with Burundian Political Analyst Patrick Hajayandi on the Burundi electoral process, listen to the podcast here
Each election in Burundi in the past has generated a worrying degree of violence and uncertainty. Are Burundians ready to let behind the violence that always comes after the election?
In 2015 many Burundians fled in fear for their lives, even as some refugees are opting to return home, the majority will still require the conducive post-electoral environment to consider their repatriation.
Will the new leaders be courageous enough to strengthen justice and improve human rights conditions?
Let us hope that this new season will be used to deal with the challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
I wish a peaceful election day to all Burundians!
Fabrice Iranzi, RegionWeek.com
RegionWeek is a Burundi-based media for a new generation of achievers in Africa, a platform devoted to chronicling the journey to Freedom and Empowerment.