Burundi is gearing up for the forthcoming Presidential Elections scheduled for May 3rd 2027.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye has signed an order announcing the elections schedule.
According to Decree No. 100/167 of November 4, 2026, signed in Gitega, the first round of voting is scheduled for Monday, May 3, 2027.
In case of no winner with 50% of the vote, a second round is scheduled to take place on June 1st.
The text also specifies the voting procedures, the timetable for submitting candidacies, as well as provisions relating to the participation of the diaspora and Burundian military personnel on missions abroad.
Aspiring Presidential candidates are directed to submit their candidature to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), from November 13 to 22.
The text specifies that no coalition of independents is permitted. An independent is considered to be any candidate who has not claimed affiliation with any political party for at least one year and who asserts independence from the usual political divisions, by presenting a personal societal project.
The election will be held by universal direct suffrage and secret ballot, in accordance with Article 56 of the Electoral Code.
The President of the Republic will be elected by a single-member two-round ballot.
To be elected in the first round, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority of the votes cast, i.e., 50% of the votes plus one.
