The Takeaways

Burundi’s 2015 Elections: Perspectives, Priorities and Preparations at Three Months Out

In three months, the Burundian elections season will begin. These will be the country’s second direct elections since its decade-long conflict ended in 2003. Preparations are underway for the elections, with the mobilization of efforts by the Burundian Government, its international partners, as well as national and global civil society groups.

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and the Africa Program of the Wilson Center hosted a panel to discuss the current pre-electoral context in Burundi, and priorities over the coming months. The discussion featured Agathonique Barakukuza, Journalist of the Agence de Presse Burundaise and President of the Burundian Association of Women Journalist, his Excellency Ernest Ndabashinze, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi, David Gilmour, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, at the U.S. Department of State, and Mike Jobbins Senior Program Manager, Africa Program at SFCG.

The panelists discussed key election-related issues including:

o    Agathonique Barakukuza discussed the role of the media during the electoral process and the importance of having a diversity of media that can inform electors in an impartial and objective way to help them make an informed choice. However, media in Burundi face two main challenges: the 2013 media law that stipulates that journalists can be required to divulge their sources of information and a lack of financial resources that limits media coverage, especially in remote areas of the country. Agathonique also discussed women’s participation in the electoral process and the lack of women’s voices in the process, both as candidates and as voters.

o    DAS David Gilmour stated that the U.S. is committed to Burundi’s progress towards a stable, democratic and prosperous society and views the upcoming elections as a crucial step. He also stated the importance for all Burundians to be able to participate freely in the electoral process, including during the pre-electoral period via the media, rallies, campaigning activities, etc. DAS Gilmour also stated that one of the most crucial issues of the 2015 elections is the matter of presidential terms limits.

o    Mike Jobbins highlighted the importance to support the electoral process but also the need for longer-term support after the elections to accompany economic, social and political transformation and address some of the key structural challenges that Burundi faces. These challenges include land and malnutrition (aggravated by climate change, degradation of soil and population growth); youth participation; rule of law and the need to transform the culture of leadership and governance and ensure that processes are taken fairly.

o    Amb. Ernest Ndabashinze stated that Burundi is committed to organize free and fair election, leveraging its experiences from past electoral processes. The election represents a great opportunity for citizens to make their own choices. Ambassador Ndabashinze also stressed the importance of responsible journalism, especially during the electoral processes, to prevent rumors and manipulation.

During the Q&A sessions, participants discussed issues such as current security threats, the risk for electoral violence and how to monitor it, the risk of boycott and the importance for all parties to participate in the process, and the question of presidential term limits.