BUJUMBURA, June 16 (ABP) – The Minister of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security, Martin Niteretse, issued a statement on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Bujumbura, concerning the recent elections of members of parliament and communal councilors. The statement aimed to make public the ministry’s observations on the conduct of the double election held on June 5, 2025.
Through this statement, Mr. Niteretse congratulated the population for participating massively in the elections, which took place peacefully, transparently, and calmly, and for responding to the call of their leaders by arriving at their designated polling stations on time on Election Day. He sincerely thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for its dedication. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the various stakeholders who contributed to the smooth running of the elections, including the defense and security forces; the administration; political party leaders and independent candidates; as well as both national and international observers.
According to Mr. Niteretse, although the elections for deputies and communal councilors generally went well, the ministry in charge of public security noted some minor incidents: 14 cases of ballot tearing, 7 cases of voter influence, 5 cases of threats, 3 cases of fraudulent maneuvers, 1 case of campaigning at polling sites, and 3 cases of unauthorized representatives. “Fortunately, these were promptly addressed, as investigations led to the arrest of 32 individuals suspected of electoral offenses. Their criminal files were prepared and submitted to judicial authorities. Others who have not yet been apprehended remain under search and will be held accountable for their actions,” he stated. Mr. Niteretse stressed that, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in Burundi, “anyone who refuses to recognize the election results is subject to legal penalties.” He emphasized that elections are a fundamental element of national sovereignty, and any person who attempts to disrupt them must be sanctioned, as such acts endanger national security.
Minister Niteretse also made it clear that no political figure who participated in the elections is allowed to make public statements denouncing irregularities in the legislative and communal elections of June 5, 2025, if those concerns were not reported on the day of the elections. He reiterated that refusal to recognize election results is punishable under the law.
He therefore invited political party leaders or anyone who observed irregularities during the elections to contact the appropriate institutions so their cases could be examined. He warned that anyone attempting to resort to disorderly means should be aware that the competent institutions are fully mobilized and will take all necessary measures to deter such actions.
In conclusion, the Minister of the Interior called on the population to continue their daily activities in peace and security to effectively implement the vision of Burundi as an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060.
Before concluding his remarks, he congratulated the elected deputies and communal councilors. To those who were not elected, he reminded them that since 2005, Burundi has embraced democracy and encouraged them to better prepare for future elections.