Burundi: Internet restricted on election day

Burundians heading to the polls today to elect their next president will find they are not able to access Twitter, WhatsApp or Facebook.

Only those using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which hides a user’s identity and location, could access the social media sites.

The government has not commented on the issue.

Human rights groups are concerned of the censorship and have urged the government not block the internet on election day.

Social media sites are often the only outlets that provide important electoral information to the public.

Critics say the move will hurt the opposition by closing the mouthpiece through which they could report any electoral malpractice.

Polling stations in Burundi opened at 06:00 local time on Wednesday with around five million voters expected to participate in the general elections.

Voters will be electing their president, members of parliament and communal council members.

Seven candidates are seeking to replace long-serving President Pierre Nkurunzinza, with the main contenders being Agathon Rwasa of the opposition CNL party and Evariste Ndayishimiye from the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

Voters in the diaspora will not cast their ballot because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Polling stations will close at 16:00 local time with preliminary results expected to be out on 25 May.

The electoral commission announced that there will be 53 international observers who include personnel for the embassies of Tanzania, Egypt, China, Kenya, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Russia and Africa Union mission in Burundi.

The commission has banned the use of mobile phones and cameras by observers and poll agents inside polling stations.

[Photo: AFP]