Burundi poll violence worries AU, UN

BUJUMBURA - The African Union and the United Nations have raised concerns about clashes in Burundi between rival supporters during campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

They have appealed to all sides to refrain from acts of violence and urged the security forces to ensure it's a fair election.

Human rights groups say close to 150 opposition members have been arrested since Burundi's election campaign began three weeks ago.

President Pierre Nkurunziza is not running for re-election but is expected to remain politically powerful after parliament approved legislation that gives him the title of "supreme guide to patriotism" after he steps down.

In Malawi, Vice-President Saulos Chilima wants his supporters to literally embrace backers of other parties that he's formed an alliance with.

He has come under fire for his remarks as there are warnings that this could encourage the spread of coronavirus.

Chilima is Lazarus Chakwera's running mate in a presidential election re-run that is expected in July. In the cancelled election they ran against each other.

To ease suspicion Chilima wanted his supporters to hug the backers of Chakwera. He said that "no disease would catch them."

Chilima has been criticised online.

His remarks are against the World Health Organisation guidelines for social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Malawi has 65 confirmed cases of Covid-19. – BBC.