BURUNDI: President Pierre Nkurunziza Claims Early victory In Controversial Elections Do

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza has claimed an early victory for his ruling CNDD-FDD party in the country's controversial parliamentary poll, despite the opposition of domestic civic groups, the African Union (AU) and the UN.



Polling stations had opened early on Monday and about 3.8 million people had been expected to vote, according to the electoral commission.

However, turnout was low in and around the capital city of Bujumbura, partly because the election was boycotted by 17 opposition groups.

The electoral commission expects the results to be announced within three days, but it declined to comment on the turnout.

The AU and the UN have also urged that next month's presidential election be delayed, but Nkurunziza has insisted that the vote will go ahead as scheduled on July 15.


Burundi has been in turmoil since April, when Nkurunziza said he would seek a third term, triggering weeks of protests, and an abortive military coup last month.

Nkurunziza's opponents say his decision to stand again violates the constitution as well as a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005.

Nkurunziza has cited a constitutional court ruling saying he can run again, although the court's vice president, another of those who have fled, said he and others had been pressured to rule in favour of Nkurunziza.