The first round of presidential elections took place in Burundi on June 28, 2010. These were the second set of polls this year; communal elections took place on May 24. These elections are the first time Burundians go to the polls since the rebels laid down their arms after years of civil war. IFES carried out a far-reaching program to prevent a return to violence as candidates competed for seats.  

Samia Mahgoub, IFES chief of party in Burundi, comments on Election Day:  

“Election Day in Burundi went relatively smoothly. So far, election observers, including members of the media and political representatives, have not reported any significant irregularities that could negatively influence the credibility of the way the poll was conducted. Security was a main concern as panic spread through the country following the increased violence after the publication of the results of the communal elections held on May 24, 2010 and the subsequent arrests of members of the opposition. Yet, overall, the nation was relatively calm on Election Day. Aside from the grenades that were thrown in Bujumbura (which did not result in any casualties), only  minor incidents were reported throughout the nation.

“Because of fear of election violence, the population came timidly to the polls. In Bujumbura,  there were no long queues outside the polling stations as was the case  during the May 24, 2010 communal elections . The turnout for this election is estimated to be between  30-40% in Bujumbura City and in Rural Bujumbura  (where opposition parties claim the majority).  It is estimated that the turnout rate in the provinces  in the interior of the country and the North is between  70-80%. Possible reasons for the relatively low turnout rate are intimidation, lack of an opposition candidate, and lack of faith in the process.

“Overall, compared to the communal elections, there was a marked improvement in the voting process this time around. This could be due the fact that, under IFES’ financial support, a refresher training was organized on June 24-25, 2010 for all pollworkers.  The main objective of that refresher training was to correct the technical irregularities that were found in the communal elections. We also noted that the voting booths were better  positioned  and better ensured the secrecy of the ballot. Voting bureaus were in better position and members showed more professionalism than  at the communal elections.”