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          Burundi Votes in Opposition-Boycotted Presidential Election

   by VOA News

   Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza is expected to win a third term in
   office as voters take part in an election Tuesday boycotted by the
   opposition.

   The election went ahead despite months of anti-government protests and
   appeals from the international community for the president to step
   aside.

   Critics say Nkurunziza should not be eligible to serve another term,
   but Burundi's constitutional court has ruled he is eligible because he
   was chosen by lawmakers, and not popularly elected, for his first term.

   The protests have led to violence, including Monday night in the
   capital, Bujumbura, where explosions and gunfire were heard.

   United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on authorities to
   "ensure security and a peaceful atmosphere during the election" and for
   all parties in Burundi to resume dialogue.

   U.N. advisers are monitoring Tuesday's vote, which includes 3.8 million
   eligible voters.

   The presidential election follows a parliamentary vote last month that
   Nkurunziza's party easily won.  The opposition also boycotted that
   vote, which was criticized internationally for not being free or fair.

   Opposition candidates have expressed the same about the presidential
   election, saying widespread intimidation and the threat of violence
   prevent the country from holding a fair vote.

   Despite their pullout, the names of opposition candidates will remain
   on printed ballots, Burundi's electoral commission said.

   With Nkurunziza as the only candidate, national electoral commission
   spokesman Prosper Ntahorwamiye said it is uncertain when the results
   will be announced.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-votes-in-opposition-boycotted
   -presidential-election/2871468.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-votes-in-opposition-boycotted-presidential-election/2871468.html