Ugandan President Gen. Yoweri Museveni has Tuesday morning spoken to Evariste Ndayishimiye by telephone and congratulated him upon is victory in Burundi Presidential election.
Museveni wished Gen. Ndayishimiye success in forming a new team and the two leaders “confirmed their interest” in the consistent development of bilateral relations in all areas including economic aspects.
“This morning, I had a good call with His Excellency Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda. He congratulated me and my Party CNDD-FDD for the victory in the 20 of May Elections in Burundi. He reiterated his engagement to work and strengthen ties with Burundi,” the incoming President Ndayishimiye tweeted.
Museveni becomes the first EAC leader to convey his congratulatory message to the newly elected Burundi President.
Earlier EAC secretariat commended Burundi for organizing an incredibly peaceful election as the country moved to witness its first peaceful transfer of power in its post independence aftermath.
Ndayishimiye garnered 68.72% of the total votes as the country chose its next President on May 20, beating his closest rival Agathon Rwasa, a strongest opposition leader scored 24.19%.
Ndayishimiye was selected as CNDD-FDD’s flag bearer after his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza agreed last year to retire from the country’s active politics.
6 major highlight in Burundi polls
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.