Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has unequivocally stated that upcoming elections are not designed for choosing, asserting that only one winner will ultimately emerge. He has consistently dispelled the notion that elections are for choosing, dismissing the very idea of genuine competition. Addressing his supporters, President Ndayishimiye declared, "when CNDD-FDD activists decide to present such a candidate, it is the latter who passes," thereby noting the ruling party's decisive role in the electoral outcome. He further urged citizens not to waste their time listening to alternative voices, emphasizing this sentiment with the phrase, "Ne perdez pas votre temps à écouter ces gens-là." The President reiterated that there would be "only one winner," showing this predetermined result by proclaiming, "il n’y aura qu’un seul vainqueur." This perspective paints a clear picture of an electoral process where the ruling CNDD-FDD party decides who will be the candidate, and that candidate is expected to win.
Electoral 'Decoration' and 'Express Democracy'
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has characterized electoral competition as an "amiable formality," a description that minimizes the traditional role of competitive elections. He has openly described pluralism as merely "decoration" within the existing political system, suggesting it adds little substantive value to the process. President Ndayishimiye has also spoken of what he terms a "new Burundian model: an express democracy," outlining a process he suggests bypasses traditional competitive elements and streamlines the path to power. He has previously stated there would be "only one winner," consistently emphasizing this outcome as a foregone conclusion. The President has employed phrases such as "aller les cajoler" and "prendre par la main" in reference to the electoral process, further illustrating his perspective on the nature of political engagement, which appears to involve guiding voters rather than soliciting their independent choice. He also remarked that there would "faire trembler Neva," indicating unwavering confidence in the ruling CNDD-FDD's dominance and its ability to secure victory.
Opposition's Call for Dialogue
In response to this electoral landscape, five main opposition parties in Burundi formally requested a dialogue regarding the electoral process. These parties sought urgent discussions on the framework and conditions surrounding upcoming elections, advocating for a more inclusive and transparent approach. According to claims made by these opposition groups, the ruling CNDD-FDD party unilaterally determines its candidate, who then secures the election victory, effectively rendering the process a formality. Demonstrating their deep dissatisfaction, the opposition parties subsequently boycotted a meeting organized by the National Independent Electoral Commission (Ceni), stating they considered the gathering "not credible" given the prevailing circumstances. Their collective absence from this key meeting showed their profound dissatisfaction with the current electoral environment and noted their persistent push for a more full and meaningful engagement on the process.
President's Dismissal and Boileau's Clarity
Burundi's elections are characterized as a "popular ratification ceremony of a verdict already known before the polling stations opened." This vivid description shows the perception that the electoral outcome is predetermined, with the voting process serving merely to formalize an already decided result. The article, which describes a "new generation democracy" in Burundi, asserts that the ballot box has ceased to be an instrument of genuine choice. Instead, it is portrayed as a "simple administrative stamp on an announced victory," further solidifying the idea of a preordained outcome. This perspective aligns directly with the ruling CNDD-FDD's stated dominance in the electoral process and President Ndayishimiye's repeated assertions of a single winner.
The sentiment of clarity regarding the electoral outcomes is further showed by a pertinent reference to Boileau's quote, emphasizing the importance of clear expression. As Boileau famously stated, "Ce qui se conçoit bien s’énonce clairement, et les mots pour le dire arrivent aisément." This translates to "What is well conceived is clearly stated, and the words to say it come easily." By invoking this quote, the article implies that the nature of Burundi's electoral outcomes, as presented by the President and the ruling party, is straightforward, unambiguous, and clearly articulated. The electoral process, in this context, serves primarily to formally endorse an already determined result rather than facilitate genuine competition or allow for the unpredictable expression of voter choice.