Vote counting was under way in Burundi on Wednesday, the day after a presidential election marred by violence and international condemnation that is expected to see incumbent Pierre Nkurunziza win a controversial third term.
Results from the polls, which has been condemned as illegitimate by the international community after sparking months of deadly violence that forced tens of thousands to flee the country, are expected by the end of Thursday.
Electoral Commission president Pierre-Claver Ndayicariye said around 74% of the country’s 3.8 million registered voters cast their ballot, comparable to last month’s general elections, despite a boycott from opposition lawmakers.
At least two people – a policeman and a civilian – were killed overnight before the polls opened on Tuesday in what Nkurunziza’s chief communications advisor called “terrorist acts” aimed at “intimidating voters”.
Ndayicariye said turnout was depressed in southwestern Bururi province and Bujumbura, the epicentre of three months of anti-government protests where gunfire and grenade blasts could be heard as polls opened.
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