Opposition candidates in Burundi have been barred from participating in the upcoming June elections, according to their party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) excluded candidates from the four-party coalition “Burundi for All,” citing their ties to the suspended National Freedom Council (CNL) as a violation of electoral laws.
Among the blocked candidates are Agathon Rwasa, Euphrasie Mutenzinka, and Anatole Karorero, representing one of five provinces impacted by the decision. 
Rwasa, a former militia leader and presidential runner-up in 2020, was ousted as the CNL leader in March and has since contested the ruling in court.
A December decree further restricts independent candidates, requiring a one-year gap from party membership or two years for former party leaders. Critics argue the rules were “tailor-made” to prevent Rwasa from contesting, following his strong performance in the 2020 election, which the opposition claimed was marred by irregularities.
While President Evariste Ndayishimiye has gained praise for easing Burundi’s isolationism after Pierre Nkurunziza’s tenure, the country continues to face accusations of human rights abuses, including repression of journalists, activists, and opposition figures.
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