Evariste Ndayishimiye, 52, a staunch catholic is Burundi’s new duly elected leader, the country’s Electoral Commission has Monday announced.
Ndayishimiye garnered 68.72% of the total votes as the country chose its next President on May 20.
His closest opponent Agathon Rwasa, a strongest opposition leader scored 24.19%.
Ndayishimiye, has been the ruling party- CNDD-FDD’s flag bearer after his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza agreed last year to retire from the country’s active politics paving way for CNDD-FDD to select its next leader.
Nkurunziza’s decision to peacefully handover power attracted a global commendation considering the country’s violent history arising from politics- but also the fact that many African leaders have a tendency of over staying in power and end up throwing their nations in turmoil.
Rwasa and his political establishment- National Congress for Liberty party have already alleged foul play, but at the same time it also a tendency for African opposition leaders to dispute election results when they lose.
Ndayishimiye’s victory is historic. Historic in a way that after 58 years of independence Burundi will welcome its first peaceful transfer of power.
Seven candidates had contested to lead the country.
Reports already indicate Rwasa, will not take to the streets to protest his adversary’s win but rather seek court redress, although he says his hopes in court are minimal.
6 Major Highlight
Burundi’s quest to rebuild its democracy can be summed by the six main highlights that dominated the Presidential race which however, have been overlooked by the media, local and international political commentators and observers.
Peaceful Transition
After 58 years of Burundi’s independence, the outgoing President will be handing over instruments of power/office to his successor. That Nkurunziza will embrace Ndayishimiye as his President. It must be noted that Mr Nkurunziza allowed to quit Presidency for the good of the nation even when the Constitutions allows him to seek another term of office. Such decisions have been taken by a few leaders on the African continent.
Election Funding
An election is a very expensive exercise to finance. And therefore it goes without a mention that Burundi has surprised many having managed to finance the exercise 100% percent through local logistical support at a time when the country has been grappling with economic sanctions activated by the International Community. Meaning the election funding generally depended on the taxpayer. Such a financial dependency is a great step in building the nation.
Multiparty Dispensation
Partly democracy is perceived as a political system that provides for a multiparty dispensation. An inclusion of all players in the field where the best emerges winner. You can’t turn a blind on this practice by Burundi. The election was competitive with 7 presidential candidates and their parties campaigning across the country and voters allowed to participate by turning into large crowds to support their candidates.
Violence-free
Predictions were high that Burundi’s polls would be violent. Some actors local and international believed the anarchy would supersede that of 2015. But what a calm exercise! The elections were generally peaceful despite isolated incidents just like in any elections on the continent and beyond.
Ethnic Diversity
This refers to the presence of different ethnic backgrounds or identities. In the Burundian elections every political party. Each party fielded candidates from all ethnic and religious backgrounds and gender. Their lists were fully inclusive.
Confidence in Courts
The political players and their nationalities agreed to use one channel as an avenue of justice in case a dispute happens by using the existing national legal mechanisms, rather than resorting to shed blood.