简体中文
The Burundian opposition has urged inclusiveness in the preparation of a new election schedule, Burundian opposition leader Agathon Rwasa told a press conference on Thursday.
The preparation of a new election schedule as ordered by the East African leaders is not a business of the government of Burundi alone, said Rwasa.
It is a business of all stakeholders involved in the electoral process, he said.
Rwasa, who is the head of the Burundians' Hope Independent Coalition, indicated that challenges can only find solutions if there are consultations.
"If we meet and discuss, we will reach a consensus," said Rwasa.
He denied reports that he pulled out of the electoral process, stressing that he only declared that he "cannot" participate in a "clumsy or fake" election.
"I have not pulled out of the electoral process and I will never pull out of the elections," said Rwasa.
East African Community (EAC) leaders meeting on May 31 in Dar- es-Salaam, Tanzania in an extraordinary summit on Burundi's crisis recommended the postponement of elections for at least one and half months to create favorable conditions for elections and to disarm youth groups.
Initially, the first two polls including legislative and communal elections had been slated to be held simultaneously on May 26, but were postponed for June 5 in the aftermath of a failed coup plot staged on May 13 by Major General Godefroid Niyombare whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Meanwhile, the presidential election was due on June 26.
Burundian Government Spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba Tuesday said in a declaration that a new election schedule would be announced "very" soon.
Burundi has been in turmoil since April 25 when Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) , announced that he will run for a third term in office in the June elections, despite warnings at home and abroad.
Clashes between protesters and police, mainly in the capital Bujumbura, have left more than 30 dead, according to Burundi's civil society groups.
Nkurunziza has been in power since 2005.
Opponents say his decision violates the constitution and the 2000 Arusha Agreement that limits the president to two terms in office.
His supporters argue that his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament, not elected by people. Enditem
