Burundi : the government launches the 2027 election machine and calls for massive mobilization

SOS Médias Burundi

Gitega, April 22, 2026 — President Évariste Ndayishimiye called for strong public mobilization for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for an orderly, secure, and citizen-led electoral process. He made this statement at the official launch of the voter education campaign at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega, the political capital of the small East African nation, on Wednesday, April 22.

Burundian authorities thus officially launched preparations for the 2027 presidential election. At the event, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) indicated that preparations are already well underway, with a budget allocated and an electoral timetable established.

According to chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Prosper Ntahorwamiye, the next steps include training for electoral partners, notably the defense and security forces, the judiciary, political party leaders, and journalists. The establishment of independent electoral commissions at the district and provincial levels is also planned.

The head of state also emphasized the high cost of the elections, which he described as a significant burden on public finances, in a context where the authorities claim to want to accelerate the implementation of development goals for 2040 and 2060. He advocated for more rational management of national resources and greater citizen involvement in financing the electoral process.

In this vein, he mentioned cost-reduction measures, including the use of traditional cloth as voting booths, and estimated that the budget for the presidential election exceeds 80 billion Burundi francs. He also suggested that these resources could be redirected to other national priorities, particularly education, through the construction of boarding schools in the country’s 42 districts.

This speech reflects a clear commitment from the authorities to mobilize the population, structure the electoral process, and control its costs within the context of national development.

Concerns about the electoral climate

Observers and local organizations, for their part, have raised concerns about controversial practices during previous elections. During the 2025 legislative elections, testimonies gathered by SOS Médias Burundi in several provinces reported pressure exerted to encourage voter registration, notably through the temporary closure of markets or schools.

According to these sources, in some localities, access to markets, healthcare, or certain administrative services was allegedly contingent upon presenting a voter registration receipt. The authorities have not officially commented on these allegations.

Constitutional framework and political perspectives

According to the new Constitution adopted in 2018, legislative and presidential elections in Burundi are organized according to different rules and procedures, particularly regarding candidacy requirements, voting methods, and term lengths.

The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a seven-year term, renewable only once, while members of parliament are elected for a five-year term. The fundamental law also maintains specific representation mechanisms, including gender quotas and ethnic balance within the National Assembly.

The 2018 Constitution also introduced or confirmed several institutional adjustments, including a reorganization of the relationship between the executive and legislative branches, as well as provisions governing the electoral timetable.

In this context, President Évariste Ndayishimiye could, if nominated by the CNDD-FDD, the former Hutu rebel group that has been in power since 2005 following the Arusha Agreement signed in August 2000, run for a second presidential term—his first under the 2018 Constitution.

The Burundian authorities are also basing their actions on a long-term development vision aiming for emerging country status by 2040 and developed country status by 2060.

The 2025 legislative elections, for their part, were marked by a 100% victory for the CNDD-FDD, according to the official results validated by competent institutions.