BUJUMBURA, June 10 (ABP) – The head of delegation of the election observation mission and executive secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Joao Samuel Cahogo, issued on Saturday, June 7, 2025, a preliminary report from the observation mission of the legislative and communal elections held on June 5, 2025.
On that occasion, the ICGLR executive secretary affirmed that the legislative and communal elections largely conformed to regional and international electoral standards, particularly those defined in Chapter 3 of the ICGLR protocol on democracy and good governance.
The mission welcomed the fact that Burundian citizens were able to express their political choices freely, peacefully, and transparently.
According to him, the electoral process took place in a calm environment, reflecting a collective commitment to democracy.
He extended sincere congratulations to the Burundian people for their democratic maturity, to the government of Burundi for respecting the legal framework, and to the CENI for its exemplary professionalism in organizing the vote.
The peaceful and rigorous conduct of the electoral process, according to the mission, marks an important step toward strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance in Burundi.
The ICGLR executive secretary praised the robust legal framework in Burundi, which offers effective mechanisms for addressing any potential violations of the electoral code of conduct and for resolving electoral disputes and complaints in a lawful and peaceful manner.
Therefore, he encouraged all political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to use exclusively these established legal channels in case of grievances or disputes related to the electoral process.
This respect for institutional mechanisms, he said, is essential for preserving post-election peace, strengthening democratic legality, and maintaining the country’s political stability.
He concluded stating that the successful conduct of these elections represents a significant milestone in Burundi’s democratic journey. The peaceful, transparent and well-organized electoral process observed at every stage demonstrates the growing maturity of the country’s democratic institutions and the deep commitment of the Burundian people to the principles of democratic governance and citizen participation.
To this end, the ICGLR reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Burundi’s democratic development and looks forward to continuing an active partnership in support of democracy, peace, and good governance throughout the Great Lakes region.