The ruling party seeks to tighten the power

Voters in Burundi are sent to the polls against the backdrop of inflation, lack of fuel and complaints about political repression.

The places of the National Assembly, the Senate and the local councils are behind the hopes, but Evariste nudeishimiye is safe as the president, as it serves as a seven -year term, which expires in 2027.

The election is checked by the ruling CNDD-FDD party, a former rebel group that has been engaged in power over the last 20 years.

The Eastern African nation was already one of the poorest countries in the world, but the inhabitants there were further pressure from a recent thorn in the value of goods such as food.

Opposition parties complained that their supporters were persecuted and intimidated by members of the CNDD-FDD, Imbonerakure.

Gabriel Banzavitland, the APDR party leader, said: “” “People are so intimidated that they tell you that any party colors cannot wear.”

But he said they were not inferior and “they promise to vote for you once in the voting cab.”

Several political analysts turned to the BBC, refusing to talk about the election, fearing the consequences. One expert who did not want him to be called, said, “To avoid unnecessary troubles, you are silent.”

“” We have noted from the beginning that everything is produced (to match the ruling party), “they said, believing that the victory of the CNDD-FDD was a transaction.

Recently, some party officials even believe that a one -party system may be useful for Burundi.

Last weekend, Reveniya Nyicuria, Secretary General, told supporters that “all countries have started with one party.”

Despite the fact that this is not historically accurate, the president also expressed similar claims.

“Yes, if it becomes a lonely (the only party), we will achieve development,” said Ndikuria.

However, he added: “” Do not let foreigners penetrate you (and tell you) that the party wants to be lonely. “

The chronic foreign currency deficit required for imports, such as medicine and fuel, has led to a decrease in the economic activity of Burundi.

Analysts say Burundi now works for less than one month of foreign currency reserves, while the regional standard should be at least four months.

The queues of cars reaching from the service stations approximately 100 m (330 feet) became a regular spectacle. They often last days or weeks when motorists are waiting for fuel that the authorities rationalize.

According to the World Bank, the annual domestic income of the Middle Burund in 2023 amounted to $ 193 (£ 142), the lowest within the East African trade block.

Faustin Nyadikuman, an economist and an anti -corruption activist, believes that Burundi’s situation will not improve soon.

“” Good driving must be set. We are not there yet, ”he said the BBC.

But the ruling party and its leader consider the opposite look.

Nudeishimiye president said the residents of Bujumburi, the largest city of Burundi, “looked bad in 2005,” but now “had money to buy shoes, new clothes and build a house.”

And the CNDD -FDD often responds to criticism, reminding the Burunda that the party fought for the Hutu ethnic group – which make up the majority of the population – to access power after four decades that they considered the tutsis minority.