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UN says Burundi's legislative, communal polls held in unfavorable climate

Xinhua, July 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB) has said the country's legislative and communal polls held on Monday happened in an environment that was not conducive for free, credible and inclusive elections.

"Episodes of violence and explosions were reported before the polls and in some cases, violence continued on the election day, mostly in the capital Bujumbura," a statement from the UN Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB) said Thursday.

The statement also stipulated that the legislative and communal electoral process took place in a "tense" political crisis, and a climate of "widespread fear and intimidation" in parts of the country.

"Fundamental freedoms of participation, assembly, expression, opinion and information have suffered increasing restrictions during the campaign period and as the day of the election drew nearer," said the statement.

The MENUB however commended the work of the Burundian National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) for conducting "adequate" voter registration and candidate nomination processes.

"Preparations and arrangements for the day of the election were largely sufficient, and polling activities took place regularly in the observed polling places," said the statement.

The MENUB however realized that the opposition repeatedly accused the CENI of lack of credibility and independence.

The MENUB regretted that the opposition decided to boycott the polls.

In a related story, heads of African diplomatic missions in Burundi notably those of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa congratulated the Burundian government, the country's electoral body (CENI) and the people of Burundi for successfully conducting legislative and communal polls in spite of "resource constraints and security threats."

In a joint statement, diplomats from the four African countries expressed their concern and condemned violence related to the electoral process.

Burundi is also to hold the presidential election on July 15 and senatorial elections on July 24. Endi