Burundi’s FRODEBU Party rules out Presidential candidate for 2027 Election

Burundi’s opposition party Sahwanya-FRODEBU says it will not field a candidate in the 2027 presidential election, citing concerns over the credibility of the electoral process and warning that the vote risks repeating the disputed 2025 polls.

The party announced its decision after a meeting of its national council in Bujumbura on Saturday, where members reviewed preparations for the presidential election scheduled for May 2027.

In a statement, FRODEBU said its assessment of the preparations revealed numerous shortcomings that could produce results similar to those of the May 2025 elections.

The party said it would instead continue advocating for multiparty democracy and elections conducted transparently, with results accepted by all political stakeholders.

The announcement comes amid growing opposition concerns about electoral competition in Burundi.

In the June 2025 legislative elections, the ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy–Forces for the Defence of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) won all 100 directly elected seats in the National Assembly, securing 96.51 per cent of the vote, according to official results.

The main opposition party, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), was barred from contesting the election.

International IDEA reported that observers, including the Catholic Church, raised concerns about alleged irregularities, including forced voting and ballot stuffing.

FRODEBU has accused the authorities of failing to address concerns over what it describes as opaque electoral preparations and alleged electoral fraud.

However, the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) has challenged the party’s position.

Speaking to BBC, CENI representative François Bizimana questioned why the opposition was criticising an election that had not yet taken place.

Bizimana urged FRODEBU to participate in consultations involving the country’s 37 registered political parties, arguing that the meetings provide an opportunity to raise concerns and propose improvements to the electoral process.

The ruling CNDD-FDD has already selected President Évariste Ndayishimiye as its candidate for the 2027 election.

The party endorsed him at an extraordinary congress in Gitega on April 26, 2026, according to the presidency.

FRODEBU’s decision carries historical significance in Burundi’s political landscape.

Founded clandestinely in 1986 and officially recognised in 1992, the party rose to prominence under Melchior Ndadaye, who won Burundi’s first competitive multiparty presidential election in June 1993.

His victory marked a turning point in the country’s political history, but he was assassinated during a military coup attempt in October that year, plunging Burundi into further instability.

Burundi’s subsequent presidential elections have been shaped by political tensions and disputes.

Pierre Nkurunziza came to power through an indirect parliamentary vote in 2005.

In 2010, he won a presidential election after opposition candidates withdrew, alleging intimidation and fraud.

His controversial third-term bid in 2015 triggered a major political crisis, while Ndayishimiye succeeded him after winning the 2020 election.