ACCRA, Ghana – Wednesday, May 20, 2020,/ https://africanpostonline.com/—Burundi would not allow COVID-19 to hold them back from voting, hence decided to exercise its electoral rights today, Wednesday 20th May, despite COVID-19 pandemic.
The voting will elect a president to replace President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has governed Burundi for 15 years, members of parliament and communal council members.
President Pierre Nkurunziza stepping aside and voting ongoing has been seen by some Burundians as unthinkable. However, it is alleged that President Pierre Nkurunziza has negotiated for a villa and retirement package of $540,000. He is also given the title, “Supreme Guide of the Nation”
Voting began at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400GMT) and will end at 4:00 p.m. (1400GMT). The Independent National Electoral Commission is said to be expecting about five million voters in a country of 11 million.
Seven candidates are competing for the Office of the Presidency. The main 2 top contenders are Agathon Rwasa of the opposition CNL party and Evariste Ndayishimiye from the ruling CNDD-FDD party.
A total of 14,718 polling stations have been set up across the country for the election with approximately 53 international observers from Africa Union, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, D.R.Congo, Tanzania, Egypt, China, and Russia.
Multimedia Journalist, Moses Havyarimana on his twitter page posted a picture of handwashing as preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 during the election. However, another tweet shows people overcrowded and without a facemask.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp has been down in Burundi as the country elects a new President. Only those using Virtual Private Network, are accessing social media sites.
Preliminary results are expected to be out on 25 May 2020.
Renate Dzodzomenyo- African Post Online
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Renate is a lawyer, publicist, and writer. She believes that education and information is the key to developing and shaping Africa. In her free time, she paints beautiful art pieces on canvas. Renate believes that life is a perception, and you live it the way you perceive it.
