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AU to deploy election observer mission in Burundi: official

Xinhua, June 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The African Union (AU) will dispatch a 50-member observer mission in Burundi in late June to help oversee presidential and parliamentary elections in the central African nation, it was announced here on Monday.

Ambassador Smail Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security said at a press briefing on Monday evening the observer mission will ensure presidential and parliamentary elections are free and fair.

"Deployment of an African Union elections observer mission in Burundi was agreed upon by the heads of state. They also resolved to spare no effort in order to stabilize the country, " Chergui told reporters on the side lines of the AU Heads of state summit.

Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza on June 9th announced that parliamentary and presidential elections will be held on June 29th and July 15th respectively.

The international community had earlier piled pressure on Nkurunziza to abandon a decision to run for a third term to avoid political turmoil in the country.

Protests triggered by Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term contrary to the constitution reached a climax in May.

Several people died while hundreds sustained injuries following a running battle between security forces and protesters in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura.

The AU supports a peaceful settlement to the political crisis in Burundi.

Chergui disclosed that African leaders endorsed Tanzania to spearhead a dialogue process to achieve durable peace and stability in Burundi.

"We have urged all parties in Burundi to embrace dialogue in order to solve the political stalemate amicably," said Chergui. Endi