Burundi Launches Campaign for June 5 Elections

May 10, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Held at the Ingoma Stadium, thousands of candidates dressed in their party colours paraded before the head of state in what many observers described as a historic democratic milestone.

The Republic of Burundi launched its 2025 election campaign season on Friday, May 9, with a symbolic ceremony in Gitega, the country’s political capital. The event marked the formal beginning of the pre-campaign period for the legislative and communal elections scheduled for June 5. The event, attended by political party representatives, candidates, and President Évariste Ndayishimiye, kicked off the election campaign.

Held at the Ingoma Stadium, thousands of candidates dressed in their party colours paraded before the head of state in what many observers described as a historic democratic milestone.

President Ndayishimiye urged neutrality from public administrators and encouraged all candidates to campaign peacefully and within the bounds of the law. Despite the celebratory tone, opposition voices raised concerns over alleged political intolerance. Speaking on behalf of the opposition, Nestor Girukwishaka, president of the CNL (National Congress for Freedom), condemned the ongoing intimidation of his party members.

This year’s electoral cycle includes three major votes: legislative and communal elections on June 5, senatorial elections on July 23, and neighbourhood and hill chief elections on August 25.