BUJUMBURA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Nearly six million Burundian citizens living in Burundi and abroad on Thursday went to the polls to elect 100 deputies and 1,050 district councilors in the East African country's provinces of Buhumuza, Bujumbura, Butanyerera, Burunga and Gitega.
According to local media, the polling operation kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) in 14,103 polling stations located countrywide and was expected to conclude at 3:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT).
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) Prosper Ntahorwamiye told Xinhua that the total number of candidates in the legislative elections is 2,909, while the number of candidates in the district elections is 6,753, bringing the total number of candidates from political parties, coalitions of political parties, and independent candidates for the double polls to 9,662.
According to him, each of the country's 42 districts is entitled to 25 councilors.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye cast his vote in Musama, his native village in Giheta district, Gitega Province. "Voting is a civic duty. Someone who doesn't participate in elections has no interest in the future of the country. That's why I have joined my village mates so that I choose those who will represent me," said Ndayishimiye, calling on winners in these elections "to rule for all and not for their parties or their fans."
CENI Chairman Ntahorwamiye said the elections took place calmly, except for some minor incidents, notably at a polling station located at the Lycee International secondary school, where an African Union observer mission was reportedly denied entry.
"If this is true, I apologize for the inconvenience. Investigations are underway," said Ntahorwamiye.
In addition to the legislative and district elections, Burundi will hold senatorial elections on July 23 and village-level elections on Aug. 25. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2027. ■
