Burundian presidential election, 2015

Burundian presidential election, 2015
Burundi
26 June 2015
 
Party CNDD–FDD UPRONA

Incumbent President

Pierre Nkurunziza
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Burundi

Politics portal

Presidential elections will be held in Burundi on 26 June 2015.[1]

Electoral system

The President is elected using the two-round system. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote in the first round, a second round will be held on 27 July.[1] Candidates are constitutionally barred from serving more than two terms in office.

Candidates

In December 2014 it was announced that eight opposition parties would field a joint candidate for the presidential elections, as well as running together in the parliamentary elections.[2]

The ruling party and the opposition disagree over whether President Pierre Nkurunziza is eligible to run for a third term in office.[3] Allies of Nkurunziza claim that he is eligible for a third term, as his first term began after being elected by Parliament rather than a popular vote, and so it is not included in the term limit.[4]

During a two-day visit to Burundi in March 2015, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete warned of a risk of violence if the constitution and the Arusha Peace Agreement is not adhered to.[5]

In April 2015, the ruling party, the CNDD–FDD, nominated Nkurunziza as its presidential candidate. The decision prompted days of protests and clashes with police in Bujumbura, the capital. The government denounced the unrest and accused the opposition of trying to reignite the violence and ethnic tensions of the civil war.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Burundi publishes 2015 election agenda Star Africa, 19 July 2014
  2. ↑ "Opposition coalition for Burundi's 2015 elections", The Herald, 13 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Burundi CNDD-FDD supporters shot dead in bar", BBC News, 6 January 2015.
  4. ↑ "The African leaders who choose power before the people", BBC News, 20 January 2015.
  5. ↑ "Tanzania warns of violence in Burundi if president seeks third term". Reuters. 20 March 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  6. ↑ Patrick Nduwimana, "Burundi police confront anti-president protesters, army on streets", Reuters, 27 April 2015.