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Burundi Elections: Pres. Pierre Nkurunziza Adamant on Seeking 3rd Term Despite Violent Protests

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Pierre Nkurunziza

Elections commenced in Burundi on Tuesday, and so far, there has been a lot of violence, as sitting president, Pierre Nkurunziza, is seeking a third term in office despite protests against his candidacy.

According to CNN:

Scattered gunfire could be heard in the streets of the capital, Bujumbura, and ballot casting was light in the first hours after polling stations opened.

Overnight, two people – a police officer and a civilian – were killed in separate incidents in pre-election violence, authorities said.

Scores have died in Burundi since Nkurunziza said he will run for a third term, which would extend his decade in office by five more years.

Critics say a third term is prohibited by a peace accord that ended the 1993-2003 civil war.

The report further states that over 170,000 people have fled the country to neighbouring nations, as it is feared that Burundi will return to a conflict similar to the civil war that left 300,000 people dead.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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