Burundian opposition politician Agathon Rwasa has declared that the upcoming elections in Burundi are not true elections but rather a theatrical performance orchestrated by the ruling CNDD-FDD party led by President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
He made these remarks during a press conference in Burundi, where he called for a national dialogue to denounce the regime of President Ndayishimiye, which he described as authoritarian.
Rwasa explained that the upcoming parliamentary and local commune elections have stirred political tension in the country due to widespread issues, including the marginalization of citizens, oppression, and the lack of a democratic platform.
He emphasized that the elections resemble a scripted performance staged by the CNDD-FDD, stating: “These are not elections, they are more like a play.”
He added that the pre-election activities were also part of the drama, saying: “Even their campaigns were just entertainment by CNDD-FDD. Everything seems already predetermined.”
Rwasa further accused the ruling party of infiltrating its ideology into all election-related institutions, from the grassroots level to the national electoral commission, arguing that this undermines the credibility of the entire process.
He also claimed that recent campaigning has taken place in a climate of fear, where citizens were reportedly intimidated by the Imbonerakure youth militia affiliated with President Ndayishimiye’s party.
Rwasa concluded by condemning the actions of regime sympathizers who have allegedly confiscated voter cards from certain citizens and threatened people in various provinces, particularly in rural areas.
