Burundi: Official launch of campaign season ahead of june 2025 legislative and local elections

The Republic of Burundi officially launched its 2025 election campaign season on Friday, May 9, with a symbolic ceremony in Gitega, the country’s political capital. The event marked the formal beginning of the pre-campaign period for the legislative and communal elections scheduled for June 5, and was attended by political party representatives, candidates, and President Évariste Ndayishimiye.

Held at the Ingoma Stadium, thousands of candidates dressed in their party colors paraded before the head of state in what many observers described as a historic democratic milestone. “This is a first in Burundi’s democratic history,” said Jean De Dieu Mutabazi, president of the RADEBU party, who expressed optimism about the peaceful unfolding of the electoral process.

“It’s a very symbolic event,” said Mutabazi, “showing progress in our democratic culture and reducing political animosity between rivals.”

President Ndayishimiye urged neutrality from public administrators and encouraged all candidates to campaign peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

“Let administrative officials remain neutral so that those campaigning can do so in compliance with national laws,” he declared.

Despite the celebratory tone, opposition voices raised concerns over alleged political intolerance on the ground. Speaking on behalf of the opposition, Nestor Girukwishaka, president of the CNL (National Congress for Freedom), condemned ongoing intimidation of his party members.

“In some areas, ruling party officials and local administrators don’t tolerate the presence of opposition parties,” said Girukwishaka. “Our activists are harassed, beaten, and even forced to join the ruling party.”

According to the electoral calendar released by CENI (the National Independent Electoral Commission), the official campaign for legislative and communal elections begins on May 13. This year’s electoral cycle includes three major votes: legislative and communal elections on June 5, senatorial elections on July 23, and neighborhood and hill chief elections on August 25.