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Opposition activists take part in a demonstration to
voice concern incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza might defy a two-term limit
and seek re-election, on April 17, 2015 in downtown Bujumbura ©Esdras Ndikumana
(AFP)
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Burundi's
ruling party said Thursday it was poised to designate its candidate for
upcoming presidential elections, with incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza
expected to defy a two-term limit and seek re-election.
Officials said the CNDD-FDD party congress would be
held on Saturday. Presidential elections in the central African nation are
scheduled to be held on June 26.
AFP report continues:
Tensions in the small, landlocked nation have been
mounting for months, with opposition parties, rights groups and diplomats
saying Nkurunziza's expected bid for re-election in June is unconstitutional.
The ruling party has also been accused of suppressing the opposition.
The ruling party's president, Pascal Nyabenda,
insisted it was not a foregone conclusion that President Nkurunziza would be
selected, asserting that the vote was open and that "it is up to party
members to decide".
However a senior CNDD-FDD party source told AFP that
the choice "has already been made".
"Whatever happens, it will be President
Nkurunziza, regardless of the consequences," the official said.
Five opposition parties, as well as splinter groups of
the ruling CNDD-FDD who oppose Nkurunziza, have launched a campaign calling for
the president not to run again. The influential Catholic Church has also spoken
out against his expected attempt to stay put.
The UN Security Council has also warned that the
upcoming elections could turn violent, and has vowed to take action against
those who are fomenting unrest.
Burundi,
situated in Africa's troubled Great Lakes region, only emerged from a brutal
13-year civil war in 2006. Earlier this week Burundi's government warned it
could call out the army if anti-Nkurunziza protests escalate.
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