Bujumbura,
BURUNDI
Ahead of
the presidential and local elections in Burundi on Wednesday, the African Union
(AU) and the United Nations (UN) on Sunday urged the authorities to provide a
safe and secure environment for citizens to cast their votes.
Party members attend the congress of the opposition Congres National pour la Liberte (National Freedom Council) party, in the capital, Bujumbura
In a joint statement, the partners said that they have been
following the electoral campaign and remain concerned about reports of
“intimidation and violent clashes between supporters of opposing sides.”
“The two organizations encourage all entities involved in
organizing the May 20, 2020 elections, the defence and security forces and
state-owned media to fully contribute to preserving a stable and peaceful
environment, prerequisite for free, inclusive, fair, transparent and credible
elections in Burundi,” the statement said.
“They urge all political actors to refrain from all acts of
violence and hate speech, and resort to dialogue, to enable the holding of
consensual and peaceful elections. They also encourage the Burundian
authorities to ensure and facilitate the full participation of women during
this electoral process.”
The AU Commission and the UN Secretariat also called on
political parties to abide by the Code of Conduct they signed in December.
Authorities in the East African country were also urged to
implement preventive measures to protect citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, a UN Commission of Inquiry expressed alarm over
violence and human rights abuses in the run-up to the vote.
Members also deeply regretted the government’s decision to expel four staff members of the World Health Organization from the country. – Africa
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