By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi is seeking a fresh term of seven years in office, in the country’s presidential election coming up in May, 2027, according to the electoral umpire.
In April, the ruling party, CNDD-FDD Party, nominated President Evariste to run for another term of seven years. But last Friday, the country’s election commission announced that the next presidential election in Burundi shall be held on May 3, 2027. However, the opposition has expressed disappointment in the process, and subsequently declined participation in the build-up to next year’s presidential election.
President Evariste, now 57 years old, assumed the leadership of the East African country of Burundi in 2020 following the demise of President Pierre Nkurunziza, who ruled the country for over 14 years before his sudden demise in 2020 over a heart-related health challenge. There are also claims linking his death to COVID-19.
In the meantime, it is unlikely for the 15 million people in Burundi to experience regime change in the country’s election next year, given the level of opposition weakness and their disinterest in the process, citing irregularities.
