MWE Correspondent
The long-standing ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), has secured 100% of the seats in Parliament following the recently held general election.
The official results were announced on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, by CENI, the country’s National Independent Electoral Commission. According to CENI Chairperson Prosper Ntahorwamiye, CNDD-FDD garnered 96.51% of the total votes cast, while no other political party surpassed the constitutional 2% threshold required to win representation in Parliament.
“This means all 100 parliamentary seats are now under CNDD-FDD,” Ntahorwamiye said in a live television broadcast.
The landslide victory further consolidates the grip of CNDD-FDD, which has been the dominant force in Burundian politics since 2005, the year it transitioned from a rebel movement into a political party following the end of the country’s civil war. The conflict, which lasted from 1993 to 2005, cost over 300,000 lives and left Burundi deeply divided along ethnic lines, particularly between the Hutu and Tutsi populations.
Opposition Silenced
The most glaring absence in this year’s election was that of the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), widely regarded as the primary opposition party. Authorities disqualified the CNL over what they described as unresolved internal leadership disputes, alleged policy violations, and a suspension order issued earlier in the year. As a result, the party was not allowed to field candidates.
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International observers and human rights groups have raised concerns about the political environment in Burundi, questioning the fairness of an election where viable challengers were excluded. The African Union, United Nations, and the regional bloc East African Community (EAC), of which Burundi is a member, have been urged to monitor the post-election climate closely.
The Rise of CNDD-FDD
Under the leadership of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who took office in 2020 following the death of his predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza, CNDD-FDD has maintained tight control over state institutions. Although Ndayishimiye initially pledged reforms and reconciliation, critics argue that his administration continues to suppress dissent and restrict press freedom—issues that have plagued the country since the political crisis of 2015.
Burundi’s Parliament, now entirely composed of CNDD-FDD lawmakers, will likely pass laws with minimal resistance—a situation many fear could further diminish democratic checks and balances. The country ranks low on several global indices of democratic governance and human rights, with watchdog organizations like Freedom House and Human Rights Watch frequently documenting abuses.
What Next for Burundi?
While supporters of the CNDD-FDD flooded the streets in celebration, waving party flags and chanting slogans of unity, many Burundians—especially in the urban opposition strongholds—met the results with silence, skepticism, or quiet fear. Analysts warn that a single-party parliament could exacerbate political repression and stall necessary reforms in areas such as the economy, justice system, and press freedom.
Whether President Ndayishimiye will use this moment to foster inclusive governance or further consolidate power remains uncertain. But what is clear is that the opposition has been shut out of the formal political process, leaving civil society and regional actors as the last line of democratic accountability.
