Burundi Opposition demands new elections

The Burundian national flag flies at half mast outside the State House building following the death of Nkurunziza

By Our Correspondent, Bujumbura BURUNDI

As Burundians prepare for the funeral of the late President Pierre Nkurunziza, the issue of succession at the top of the state is agitating the minds.

For the main opposition party, the National Council for Freedom (CNL), respect for the constitution will inevitably lead to a new election between one and three months.

In shock after the sudden death of the president, in power for 15 years, Burundians wonder what the future holds for their country, marked by deadly political crises and a long civil war.

The opposition leader’s spokesman said the constitution is clear and must be followed to the letter.

The CNL leader, Agathon Rwasa

The CNL leader, Agathon Rwasa points to a vacancy in power, agreeing on the interim provided by the President of the National Assembly, Pascal Nyabenda.

The main opposition party, which came second in the triple ballot on May 20, said that depending on the country's fundamental law, the head of parliament has between one and three months to organize new elections.

The government has yet to comment on the transition of power.

But, consistent sources indicate that within the presidential majority, one wishes to advance the investiture of Evariste Ndayishimiye, president elected after the vote of May 20, whose results are disputed by the opposition.

Burundian authorities announced on Tuesday the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza, who died Monday following a "heart attack".

However, following the death, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the country whose recent history constitutes civil war, the exodus of refugees, and political upheaval.

The government convened a ministerial meeting to deliberate “the management of the situation following the sudden demise” of Nkurunziza under the First Vice-President, Gaston Sindimwo.

“The cabinet ministers and two vice presidents have already talked to the constitutional court to declare the presidency vacant,” said a President advisor, Augustin Nsanze

Under the constitution, Pascal Nyabenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly should take over in case a sitting President passes away.

The country finds itself in a quagmire since the newly elected President Evariste Ndayishimiye awaits his swearing-in during August.

“The government seems to lean towards a swift swearing-in of the president-elect. However, events continue changing following intense discussions they may finally decide to uphold the constitution with an interim led by the speaker,” stated the presidential advisor.

Another high-ranking member of the party confirmed this proposal. A ‘crisis committee’ will decide the path forward. - Africa