This archive report was first published on 25 April 2020.
On Monday, April 27, 2020, the campaigns for Burundi's general elections officially kicked off, with the ruling party CNDD-FDD launching its campaigns in the country's new capital, Gitega.
Incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza presented the party's presidential flag bearer, Evariste Ndayishimiye, marking the beginning of the 21-day presidential and legislative campaigns.
However, the opposition remains fragmented, with some leaders publicly expressing their support for the ruling party's candidate. Burundi's First Vice President Gaston Sindimwo congratulated Evariste Ndayishimiye, stating, 'We congratulate Evariste Ndayishimiye the presidential candidate of CNDD-FDD to have had the support of some lost sheep of the UPRONA. Our wish is for the elections to be free and democratic.'
Notably, a faction of the UPRONA party held a meeting in Bujumbura earlier last week, rejecting Sindimwo's candidacy and vowing to support the ruling party's candidate. Additionally, the ADC party, led by Alice Nzomukunda, has officially announced its support for the CNDD-FDD presidential candidate.
This year's election is self-funded by Burundians, following the withdrawal of donors. President Nkurunziza, who took power in 2005, announced in 2018 that he would not contest in this year's election after serving his five-year term.
However, not everyone is entering the campaigns with optimism. The National Council for Liberation (CNL), led by Agathon Rwasa, has raised concerns over the arbitrary arrests of its supporters. CNL spokesperson Thérénce Manirambona stated that more than 200 members of the party are in custody, some of whom have been beaten and intimidated by the ruling party's youth wing, Imbonerakure. The ruling party has denied these allegations.
