BUJUMBURA, June 15 (ABP) – The Islamic Community of Burundi (COMIBU) held a press conference on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at its national headquarters in Bujumbura, to present its observation report on the conduct of the legislative and communal elections that took place on June 5, 2025.
Mohamed Ibrahim, spokesperson for the committee that was responsible for observing those elections within COMIBU, stated that, thanks to the collaboration of its local structures, COMIBU deployed its representatives to all voting centers. More than 1,894 observers, trained in electoral observation ethics, neutrality, and respect for the law, and accredited by the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) were distributed across the 14,156 polling stations in the 42 communes of the five provinces of the country, in accordance with the new administrative boundaries. At least one COMIBU member was present at each voting center.
Regarding information collection, Ibrahim specified that the observers used standardized forms to collect data on the opening of polling stations, the conduct of the vote, the closing, and the counting process. The information was transmitted in real-time to COMIBU’s national coordination center for analysis, he added.
COMIBU, through its spokesperson, reported that the majority of polling stations opened at the scheduled time, which was 06:00. However, some delays were observed in certain rural areas due to logistical constraints. COMIBU emphasized that the electoral materials were generally present, accessible, and uniform.
Concerning the voting process, COMIBU stated that it proceeded calmly and peacefully. A strong voter turnout was noted early in the morning across all regions of the country.
Ibrahim declared that CENI agents (members of the polling stations) demonstrated professionalism and assisted voters appropriately. “They were present, cooperative, and generally well-organized,” he affirmed. Security was ensured at each polling station, with law enforcement present at all locations, without excess or intimidation, he continued.
Regarding observed incidents, COMIBU noted some delays in the distribution of materials, but everything was available everywhere within an hour. COMIBU also observed that some registered voters had been unable to collect their voter cards within the allocated time. COMIBU clarified that these issues were resolved by the heads of the polling stations, who found the voters’ names on the lists present in the polling stations after a thorough verification.
Despite these challenges, the CENI managed to organize the election efficiently, with active participation from political parties, independent candidates, and civil society, affirmed COMIBU.
In light of this situation, COMIBU recommends that the CENI continue its efforts to raise awareness and train electoral agents, especially in rural areas, and improve communication regarding administrative changes to facilitate voter orientation.
COMIBU encourages political parties and independent candidates to engage in peaceful participation and respect the electoral results. It also invites them to continue collaborating with observers to ensure transparency in the process.
COMIBU congratulates the Burundian people for their democratic maturity and the active participation they demonstrated during the June 5, 2025 elections.