Burundi’s president sets up vote to stay in power until 2034

Burundi’spresidenthassigned a decree setting 17 May for a referendum on changes to the constitution that could keep him in power until 2034, days after some ruling party members bestowed on him the title of “eternal supreme guide”.

The decree, shared online yesterday by Burundi’s UN ambassador and other officials, could lead to more unrest in the east African country that saw deadly political violence after the president’s disputed decision in 2015 to seek a third term.

Opposition and human rights groups have called the referendum a plot by Pierre Nkurunziza to stay in power for life.

The proposed changes to the constitution include extending a presidential term from five years to seven. Mr Nkurunziza’s current term expires in 2020.

At least 1,200 people were killed and more than 400,000 fled the country in the chaos after Mr Nkurunziza’s decision in 2015 to run for a third term. In November, International Criminal Court judges authorised an investigation into allegations of statesponsored crimes including murder, rape and torture, announcing the decision shortly after Burundi became the first country to formally quit the court.

The referendum in May will leave Burundians more divided, said Hussein Radjabu, a former secretary-general of the ruling party.

“The ruling party is also divided on the matter, so we are likely to see more bloodshed in Burundi as people opposed to lifting term limits will be killed,” Mr Radjabu said.

Human rights activists say some opposing the referendum already have been arrested. Others have fled into exile, said local activist Vital Nshimirimana.

Mr Nkurunziza rose to power in 2005 following the signing of the Arusha accords to end Burundi’s 13-year civil war that killed about 300,000 people.

He was re-elected unopposed in 2010 after the opposition boycotted the vote.

Mr Nkurunziza said he was eligible for a third term because MPS, not the people, had chosen him for his first term, but critics called the move unconstitutional.

The vote in the referendum of the country’s constitution will take place in polling stations designated by the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI).

The CENI said in February that 5,000,742 Burundian citizens had registered for the constitutional referendum and the general elections in the combined registration.

The prime minister will be designated from the ruling party, while the vice-president will come from a different party.

The draft constitution will be passed if it is approved by at least 51 per cent of voters.