The CNL party had lodged a complaint at the Constitutional Court, denouncing several irregularities which were reported during the previous triple ballot. The Court has rendered its irrevocable decision, ending the suspense and the sometimes heated comments on social media.
“The petition by Mr. Agathon Rwasa and his CNL party was admissible, but partially unfounded,” ruled the Constitutional Court.
The Constitutional Court declared Evariste Ndayishimiye as president of the Republic with 68.70% of votes, for a term of 7 years.
It is through these words that Charles Ndagijimana, president of the Constitutional Court, confirmed on Thursday, June 4, 2020, the final victory of the candidate of the ruling party CNDD-FDD for the presidential election of May 20, 2020.
This dashed all hopes for those who expected a dramatic turn of events until the last minute.
It was around 4 p.m. when the judges of the Constitutional Court entered the courtroom. Several journalists, politicians and all the members of the National Independent Electoral Commission were present. After taking their seats, each of the seven judges took the floor explaining the content of the decisions of this high court, particularly those relating to the appeal of Agathon Rwasa and his party CNL.
“The petition filed by Mr. Agathon Rwasa and CNL party was admissible, but partly unfounded,” ruled the Court constitutional.
The group led by Rwasa had claimed, in its appeal of May 28, 2020, that the triple ballot of May 20, 2020 was marred by irregularities.
Some of them included the stuffing of the ballot boxes, falsification of reports after elections, the vote by the people already dead, etc. Regarding these allegations, the Constitutional Court considered that they could not significantly influence the results of the elections even if they were founded.
Nevertheless, CNL won the case about the striking off of some of its members on the electoral lists. “The removal of CNL candidates from the electoral lists by the National Independent Electoral Commission is illegal, void and of no effect,” concluded the Constitutional Court.
Thus, Pélate Niyonkuru and Cathy Kezimana are elected in Kayanza and Bujumbura Rural, their respective constituencies.
From July 28, 2020, these two women will finally be able to sit in the National Assembly.
Translated into English by Pierre Emmanuel Ngendakumana
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