Legislative and local elections in Burundi on June 5, 2025, were conducted under restricted conditions that limited free speech and political engagement, according to Human Rights Watch. The Independent National Electoral Commission announced on June 11 that the ruling party secured 96.5 percent of the votes and all national assembly seats.
Human Rights Watch reported intimidation tactics used by ruling party officials and youths to ensure a decisive victory. “Burundians voted in an atmosphere devoid of genuine political competition as the ruling party further consolidated power,” stated Clémentine de Montjoye, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.
The National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), which has been in power since 2005, reportedly suppressed opposition parties such as the National Congress for Freedom (CNL) and others. These parties have denounced irregularities during the election process.
Witnesses and activists described intimidation by the Imbonerakure, a youth league linked to the ruling party, at polling stations across various regions. A voter from Bururi recounted being instructed to vote for the ruling party by polling station workers who were also members of that party.
Opposition representatives and journalists faced barriers preventing them from accessing polling places during critical times such as vote counting. Reports indicated incidents of ballot stuffing and selective distribution of voter cards favoring CNDD-FDD supporters.
Media coverage was reportedly controlled by a coalition funded by government entities, with content needing approval from a central editorial team before publication. This led to censorship of reports that did not align with official narratives.
In December, opposition candidates were barred from contesting in these elections following decisions by electoral authorities. This included members from opposition coalitions like Burundi Bwa Bose and CNL, leaving significant voices out of the electoral race.
Further allegations arose about forced voter registration orchestrated by authorities with support from Imbonerakure members who intimidated citizens into participating despite widespread disillusionment with the electoral process.
The African Union’s preliminary report praised peaceful conduct during elections but contrasted sharply with its own standards for credible electoral processes. Other international bodies deployed observer missions but noted similar concerns over transparency issues.
The current governance situation is exacerbated by economic challenges including high inflation rates, fuel shortages, and impacts from regional conflicts affecting trade and causing refugee influxes into Burundi. Civil society figures continue reporting harassment under what is described as an increasingly authoritarian regime unwilling to accept dissent amid growing economic hardships.
“Burundi’s democracy has been hollowed out,” de Montjoye remarked on these developments, noting how they contribute to deepening governance crises without offering space for credible opposition or reform efforts.
