The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) says the organization will not observe the Burundi elections set for June 29, 2015.
The Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma says the AU in conformity with its Peace and Security Council (PSC) communiqué of June 13, 2015, and the fact that the necessary conditions are not met for the organization of free, fair, transparent and credible elections, it will not observe the local and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place this Monday June 29, 2015. This she says is “in compliance with the relevant provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”
She stressed that the stalemate in the political process and the increase in acts of violence may undermine the important gains made following the conclusion of the 2000 Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and the 2003 Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement, with serious implications for peace and security in Burundi and for the stability of the entire region.
Dr. Zuma says the AU will however, continue to do everything in its power to help the people of Burundi overcome the challenges at hand.
She additionally, condemned all acts of violence and violations of human rights in that country.
She recalled that the PSC, in its communiqué of June 13, 2015, expressed its determination to take all necessary measures against all Burundian actors whose actions perpetuate violence and hinder the search for a political solution.
The Burundi government and its opponents have rejected the proposals for a political settlement of the crisis and a proposed election date.
Dr Zuma cited in particular, the request made by the PSC for the consensual determination of an election date and the resumption of the inter-Burundian dialogue, with a view to creating conditions conducive to the organization of free, fair transparent and credible elections, as well as to finding solutions to all the issues on which the parties disagree.
Source: Ghana Business News
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