AU concerned over Burundi poll

2010-06-25 14:00

Addis Ababa - African Union chief Jean Ping voiced concern on Friday about Burundi's upcoming presidential election, which opposition candidates are boycotting, and called for calm.

Ping "is following with concern the recent political developments in Burundi after the publication of the results of the local elections...", said a statement issued in Addis Ababa.

"He is appealing urgently to all the political actors to refrain from any action likely to lead Burundi back to the horrors of the past and that could jeopardise the political and democratic progress of the past few years," the statement continued.

Ping also called on Burundi's opposition parties to "use only legal means to resolve any disputes linked to the local elections".

The first phase of an electoral marathon in Burundi started on May 24 with local council polls which saw the ruling CNDD-FDD party win a comfortable majority.

The voting process got the nod from foreign observers but was rejected as fraudulent by all opposition parties, which subsequently announced they would boycott the remaining elections.

Outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza, 45, is guaranteed a win in Monday's poll as he is the only candidate standing after six opposition competitors pulled out.

A nationwide string of deadly grenade attacks has threatened the country's fragile peace while Nkurunziza's main rival, whose rebellion laid down its arms only last year, is believed to have gone into hiding.

- SAPA