Burundi concludes 2025 elections with grassroots polls

Burundi concluded its 2025 electoral cycle on Monday with nationwide polls to elect village and neighbourhood councillors, drawing nearly six million voters across the country.

The elections marked the final stage of a political season that has seen Burundians vote for parliamentarians, district leaders, and senators earlier in the year.

According to Prosper Ntahorwamiye, chairperson of the National Independent Electoral Commission, the country has 3,044 villages and neighbourhoods, each represented by five councillors, making up a total of 15,220 seats.

The candidate with the highest number of votes in each unit automatically assumes the position of village or neighbourhood chief. Polling took place from 6am to 3pm.

The exercise was conducted peacefully and without major disruptions, Ntahorwamiye said.

Top government leaders, including President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Vice-President Prosper Bazombanza, Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye, National Assembly Speaker Gelase Daniel Ndabirabe and Senate President Gervais Ndirakobuca, all cast their ballots in their home villages.

After voting in Musama village, Ndayishimiye called on those elected to dedicate themselves to public service.

“We need good leaders; those who are at the service of the population. They should understand that being a leader is like being a volunteer,” he said, adding that local leaders “are closer to the people and are well aware of challenges they face”.

The village-level elections wrapped up an intense season in which the ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Forces for the Defence of Democracy party secured sweeping victories in parliamentary and district elections on June 5, as well as in senatorial polls on July 23.

Burundi is now set to hold its next presidential election in 2027.