Voters in Burundi are heading to the polls to elect members of the National Assembly and local councils, but President Évariste Ndayishimiye is safe in his role until 2027.
The elections will test the popularity of the governing CNDD-FDD party, a former rebel group that has been in power for 20 years.
Despite surging inflation, fuel shortages, and complaints of political repression, the party is expected to maintain its grip on power.
Opposition parties have reported harassment and intimidation of their supporters by the CNDD-FDD’s youth league, the Imbonerakure. Some analysts have suggested that a CNDD-FDD win is a done deal, and some party officials have even proposed a one-party system for Burundi.
The country’s economic struggles, including chronic shortages of foreign currency and fuel rationing, have led to widespread hardship.
However, President Ndayishimiye has claimed that the party has improved the lives of Burundians, citing their ability to afford basic necessities like shoes and clothing.
