Burundians living abroad are unable to vote

The Burundian diaspora will not be able to cast their vote in next month’s general election because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The foreign ministry said in a letter to the embassies that the electoral commission would be unable “to reach embassies for elections”.

Those living in the diaspora are extremely upset by the prospect of not being able to vote, and have told reporters they will seek to find a solution.

Close to 13,000 Burundians living abroad had registered to vote in time for the election, which is due to take place on 20 May.

Officials still hope the poll will go ahead, as the official number of positive cases of Covid-19 in the country remains extremely low.

According to the health ministry, just five people have contracted the virus, while one person has died.

Manampa, a Burundian living in Kenya, said it would be sad if he was led by a president he had not voted for over the next seven years.

He suggested the government use new technology to allow Burundians abroad to vote without queuing in embassies, or simply postpone the elections until after the pandemic.

Five candidates are running against President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in office since 2005.

Photo: AFP