Burundi : PARCEM denounces a presidential-style campaign and points out irregularities

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, May 24, 2025 – Just two weeks before the legislative and district elections, the PARCEM organization (Speech and Actions pour the Revival of Conscience and Change of Mentalities) is warning of an electoral campaign deemed “misguided” and marred by numerous irregularities.

During a press briefing on Wednesday in Bujumbura, Faustin Ndikumana, national director of PARCEM, criticized a campaign that, according to him, resembles a presidential election. “It is not the parliamentary candidates who are campaigning, but the leaders of the political parties. However, each candidate should present themselves, defend their project, their skills, and show what they can bring to Parliament,” he declared.

He reiterated that even on a blocked list, a candidate remains individually responsible and must be able to play their role within parliamentary committees.

PARCEM also denounced an imbalance in the public media, dominated by the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party. “We are witnessing a form of de facto single-party system,” Mr. Ndikumana asserted, citing practices reminiscent of those of a bygone era.

Another grievance : the use of state resources for electoral purposes.

“Only the President of the Republic may use administrative vehicles for security reasons. Other cases are flagrant violations,” he insisted.

The NGO also cited the forced mobilization of the population, the closure of businesses, and civil servants abandoning their jobs to participate in the campaign. “This is causing a significant loss of income in an already fragile economic context,” he emphasized.

Faustin Ndikumana also warns against unrealistic election promises in a country facing persistent inflation, fuel shortages, growing public debt, and declining investment.

He calls for investigations and sanctions against perpetrators of abuses. “Impunity fuels frustrations. It creates a dangerous climate for election day. It must end,” he concluded.

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Faustin Ndikumana, national director of PARCEM, denounces an unfair campaign (SOS Médias Burundi)