Burundi court approves Nkurunziza’s candidacy
The Burundi Constitutional Court has approved the nomination of Mr Pierre Nkurunziza as the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s candidate for next month’s presidential election.
PHOTO | nmg
What you need to know:
- The court ruled that President Nkurunziza was eligible to run for a third term, since he has been elected only once through the universal adult suffrage.
Bujumbura. The Burundi Constitutional Court has approved the nomination of Mr Pierre Nkurunziza as the ruling CNDD-FDD party’s candidate for next month’s presidential election.
The court made the decision Monday, a day after four of its members fled to the neighbouring Rwanda in fear for their safety.
“We are worried about our security. That is why I decided to leave the country,” said one of the Constitutional Court judges.
The court ruled that President Nkurunziza was eligible to run for a third term, since he has been elected only once through the universal adult suffrage.
Mr Nkuruziza rose to power in 2005 after being elected by parliament, then went on to win a second term five years later, through a popular vote. “We will agree and be satisfied with the Constitution Court ruling,” said CNDD-FDD chairman Pascal Nyabenda. There has been a controversy over the interpretation of the constitution regarding President Nkurunziza’s tenure. While some parties say the President had done the maximum two terms, his supporter insist the first five years did not count under the law.
However, the 2000 Arusha Accord, which ended the protracted Burundi civil and culminated in Mr Nkurunziza’s rise to power, is categorical that no one person should be president for more than 10 years.
Protests against President Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term have continued to rock the country with the death toll from the unrest rising to 12 Monday. Talks between the opposition and the government are ongoing, under the watch of the UN and foreign diplomats.
Next door neighbour Rwanda has expressed serious concerns over deteriorating situation in Burundi.
“Rwanda has been particularly affected by the situation in Burundi,” said Rwanda’s Foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo.
Ms Mushikiwabo urged the Burundi leaders to do everything within their powers to resolve the stalemate.
“While we respect Burundi’s sovereignty in addressing internal matters, Rwanda considers the safety of innocent population as a regional and international responsibility,” she added.(NMG)
