Burundi — Official Validation of Legislative Elections: Constitutional Court rules, opposition disappointed

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, June 23, 2025 – On June 20, Burundi’s Constitutional Court validated the results of the legislative elections held on June 5, 2025, awarding all seats to the CNDD-FDD. The opposition, dismissed by the judiciary, denounces a rigged election and announces it will continue its political struggle.

On Friday, the Constitutional Court confirmed the validity of the June 5 legislative election results. In a public hearing, the Court’s president, Valentin Bagorikunda, declared the vote regular and rejected appeals filed by several opposition parties.

Validity of the vote endorsed

In his statement, Mr. Bagorikunda indicated that the Court had examined documents submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) regarding the voting process, counting, and compilation of results.

“Considering the Constitutional Court’s internal regulations dated August 31, 2020, ruling on CENI’s petition, after deliberation in accordance with the law, the Court declares the petition admissible,” he affirmed.

Opposition appeals dismissed

The Court also ruled on complaints submitted by several political parties, including Uprona, CNL, CDP, and the coalition Burundi Bwa Bose, which alleged numerous electoral irregularities. However, these complaints were declared inadmissible or unfounded “due to insufficient evidence.”

Bitter but determined opposition

Speaking to Radio Isanganiro, Olivier Nkurunziza, president of Uprona, expressed bitterness over the Court’s decision.

“We will continue our political struggle, especially to convince the highest authorities in the country to understand that if the country continues like this, democracy in Burundi will be forgotten,” he said.

Mr. Nkurunziza recalled that his party advocates for future elections that are truly free, transparent, and credible, “as dreamed by Prince Louis Rwagasore, the independence hero.”

An Assembly fully controlled by CNDD-FDD

According to the validated results, the ruling CNDD-FDD party was awarded all the seats in the National Assembly up for election. This overwhelming victory guarantees its total control over the institution for the next five years.