Burundi to get first democratic transfer of power in 58 years of independence

Aljazeera reports that Burundi’s election commission has declared the governing party’s candidate, Evariste Ndayishimiye, as the winner of the country’s presidential election held last week.

The retired army general, Evariste Ndayishimiye won with 68.72 percent of the votes, avoiding a runoff.

Beating six other candidates, he comes in to replace outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza who has been in power for close to a decade and a half.

Foremost opposition candidate, Agathon Rwasa has already alleged foul play, saying early numbers showing his National Congress for Liberty party heading for a bruising defeat are a “fantasy” reports Aljazeera.

With final results to be declared on June 4, Rwasa says he will not go to the streets but will appeal to the constitutional court.

Fears of power struggle, however, linger on as the outgoing president, Nkurunziza remains head of the ruling party.

Mimi Mefo Info