Two Burundi election officials make their departure official

After rumours had spread regarding their resignation, two members of Burundi's National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) confirmed their departure through separate letters delivered to the country's President Pierre Nkurunziza on Monday evening.

CENI vice-chairperson Spes-Caritas Ndironkeye explained in her letter that "the prevailing political and security environment does not offer ideal conditions for holding elections which are very important for the Burundian people."

In her resignation letter, Illuminata Ndabahagamye who was the commission's administration and finance commissioner, justified her decision by the political and security situation in Burundi.

"I believe the prevailing security and political situation does not create favourable conditions for accomplishing the job I was chosen for and that which I took an oath to do," she explained.

The double resignations have placed the electoral process in doubt as they occurred just a few days before the country holds legislative and communal elections.

With only three remaining commissioners, CENI cannot make any decision as it requires four out of its five commissioners to make any decision. Endi