BURUNDI. Burundi’s ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), secured a sweeping victory in the June 5, 2025, parliamentary elections, winning all 100 directly elected seats in the National Assembly. The electoral commission announced the results on June 11, and the Constitutional Court confirmed the outcome on June 20.
The landslide victory, which also extended to local communal councils, comes amid mounting criticism over the exclusion of opposition parties and widespread reports of voter intimidation.
Disqualification of Opposition and Tightened Electoral Laws
In the lead-up to the vote, the CNDD-FDD—led by President Évariste Ndayishimiye—enacted sweeping legal reforms that significantly raised barriers to entry for presidential and legislative candidates. The revised electoral code, adopted in April 2024, required presidential hopefuls to deposit 100 million Burundian francs (around $34,700) and imposed a two-year waiting period for individuals leaving a political party before running as independents.
Opposition figures, including Agathon Rwasa, former leader of the National Freedom Council (CNL), were effectively sidelined. The Ministry of Interior suspended the CNL in June 2023, citing internal irregularities. Later, in December 2024, the national electoral commission barred all CNL and Burundi for All coalition candidates from participating in the election, accusing them of violating electoral laws.
Imbonerakure’s Role and Allegations of Voter Intimidation
The ruling party’s youth wing, the Imbonerakure, has been accused by human rights organizations of carrying out harassment, beatings, and arbitrary arrests of political opponents. These actions, observers say, created a climate of fear ahead of the polls.
According to Human Rights Watch, the election lacked meaningful competition and was marked by “pervasive repression,” with civil society, independent media, and opposition voices severely restricted.
Forced Contributions and Economic Strain
In August 2024, CNDD-FDD officials launched a nationwide campaign to collect funds for the election. Citizens reported being forced to contribute between 1,000 and 5,000 Burundian francs, with businesses pressured to pay significantly more. Refusal often resulted in individuals being labeled as opposition sympathizers and facing repercussions.
These coercive tactics occurred against a backdrop of deepening economic hardship, as the country struggles with inflation, fuel shortages, and restricted access to basic goods.
Final Outcome and Democratic Concerns
The CNDD-FDD’s victory guarantees the party full legislative control ahead of the 2025 presidential election, effectively eliminating any parliamentary opposition. The Constitutional Court’s validation of the results on June 20 confirmed the party’s dominance.
According to Africanews, critics described the results as predetermined, with international observers noting the lack of genuine democratic competition.
The outcome has intensified scrutiny of Burundi’s democratic backsliding and raised serious concerns about political pluralism and the rule of law in the country.
