BUJUMBURA, April 10th (ABP) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) organised on Tuesday 8 April 2025 in Bujumbura, a training workshop for members of the Independent Provincial Electoral Commissions (CEPI) and the Independent Communal Electoral Commissions (CECI), according to local sources.
The chairman of the CENI, Prosper Ntahorwamiye, explained that the aim of the workshop was to familiarise participants with the procedures relating to voting operations, the centralisation of results and the transmission of results for the forthcoming elections in 2025. He stressed the importance of joint training for CEPI and CECI members.
He added that that approach was intended to ensure uniformity in training, enabling members of both types of commission to receive the same information, under the same conditions and at the same time. It was also a question of reinforcing coherence in the management of the electoral process, while ensuring that the members of the CEPIs and CECIs could in turn train the members of the polling stations who would soon be recruited. The latter will play a crucial role in the operationalisation of the electoral process. Uniform training will ensure that all those involved are well prepared and informed of the procedures and standards to be followed,” he added.
With regard to developments in the electoral timetable, the Chairman of CENI confirmed that, to date, the process is proceeding satisfactorily. The organisation, preparation and progress of the electoral process are on schedule, with no major delays. That testifies to the sound management and effectiveness of the mechanisms put in place to ensure the smooth running of the forthcoming elections,” he emphasised.
Ntahorwamiye explained that, when allocating voters to polling stations, the figure of 500 voters per station was used as a reference. However, that figure could vary according to circumstances. For example, some voters, such as journalists, security guards and observers, will be able to vote in polling stations where they are not officially registered. Although those electors may vote in polling stations close to their place of work, that measure must not disrupt the number of electors planned for each polling station. As a result, the total number of voters per polling station, including those additional voters, must not exceed 525 voters per station,” said Ntahorwamiye.
The Chairman of CENI also announced that the total number of voters, including those residing abroad, was 6,013,498. The total number of polling stations for that electoral process will be 14,156. In each polling station, five members will be responsible for ensuring that the electoral process runs smoothly.
Finally, Ntahorwamiye announced that a presidential decree would be signed on 9 May 2025 to mark the official opening of the electoral campaign. The actual campaign period will begin on 13 May and continue until 2 June 2025, he said.