Local polls began yesterday in Burundi, the first phase of an electoral marathon set to put the small war-scarred African nation’s peace deal and democratic credentials to the test.
Polling stations opened at 6am, with some 3.5 million voters called to pick local councilors in a ballot seen a key test for presidential and legislative elections due next month and in July respectively.
The polls were delayed twice from Friday as a result of problems with the supply of voter cards and ballots, a hitch that heightened concerns over the vote’s credibility despite the electoral commission’s assurances.
PHOTO: AFP
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and former rebel leader Agathon Rwasa conducted high-octane presidential-style campaigns for the local polls, relentlessly criss-crossing the landlocked country, one of the world’s poorest.
The 45-year-old born-again Christian president spared no effort until the very last minute of the campaign last week, rallying crowds.
“We will win this one. And if you still want me, in 2015 and 2020 ... But if you can find somebody who is better than me, then vote for him and I will leave,” he told supporters at a rally.
While the young president enjoys the advantages of incumbency, competition is fierce among parties from the Hutu community, the majority group accounting for around 85 percent of the country’s 8.5 million inhabitants.
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