Gitega: The campaign for Burundi's legislative and district elections officially began Tuesday, marking the start of a crucial political period in the East African nation. The campaign will continue until June 2, culminating in the vote scheduled for June 5.

According to Anadolu Agency, a symbolic launch ceremony was held in Gitega, the political capital of Burundi, with President Evariste Ndayishimiye in attendance. The National Assembly of Burundi consists of 123 seats, with 100 directly elected members and additional co-opted representatives. Ndayishimiye's National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party, which secured a supermajority in the last election cycle in 2020, is the dominant political force. Established in 1998 during Burundi's civil war, the CNDD-FDD has maintained its hold on power since 2005.

In addition to the legislative elections, Burundian voters will return to the polls on July 23 to elect members of the Senate. This period marks an active election year across Africa, with at least nine presidential and seven legislative elections taking place across the continent.