Burundians Vote Amid Economic Strain, Political Tensions

Voters in Burundi headed to the polls today for National Assembly and local council elections, a crucial test for the ruling CNDD-FDD party. The former rebel group, which has dominated politics for two decades, faces the electorate against severe economic hardship and allegations of political repression.

President Évariste Ndayishimiye‘s position is secure until 2027, however, his government grapples with rising inflation, chronic fuel shortages, and a critical lack of foreign currency. These factors have intensified pressure in one of the world’s poorest countries, where the World Bank reports the average annual income was just $193 in 2023, the lowest in the East African Community.

The economic crisis manifests visibly: queues of cars stretching over 100 meters (330 feet) from service stations, waiting days or even weeks for rationed fuel, are commonplace. Analysts warn Burundi’s foreign currency reserves now cover less than one month of essential imports like medicine and fuel, far below the regional standard of four months, stifling economic activity.

Opposition parties have raised serious concerns about the electoral climate. They allege systematic harassment and intimidation of their supporters by the CNDD-FDD’s youth league. The atmosphere of fear is palpable, with several political analysts declining to comment on the elections, citing potential repercussions. Recent suggestions by some ruling party officials advocating for a one-party system have further fueled anxieties about political space.

Thursday’s elections provide a critical opportunity for Burundians to choose National Assembly and local council representatives. Many voters hope to elect officials who can effectively address the country’s profound challenges and deliver on promises of economic relief, improved access to basic goods, and greater political freedom.

President Ndayishimiye has offered a contrasting narrative, recently claiming residents of the capital, Bujumbura, now have “money for shoes, clothes, and building houses” compared to 2005 when the country was coming out of a brutal civil war since 1993 which was largely rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations. This conflict claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands more. The CNDD-FDD often counters criticism by reminding voters of its role in ending decades of perceived Tutsi minority oppression, bringing the Hutu majority to power.

As votes are cast, the focus remains on whether the ruling party can maintain its grip amid widespread economic suffering and whether the new legislature and councils can effectively respond to citizens’ urgent needs.