As Burundians get ready to vote in the presidential election on Wednesday May 20, the government is calling for the respect of law for a peace election.

In a statement issued on Monday May 18, the Public Security ministry said; “We want to warn whoever will try to destabilise the elections that the police and its security partners are instructed not to tolerate any disruption.” It was signed by Alain Guillaume Bunyoni, the Public Security minister.

This comes after violence between the ruling party youth wing Imbonerakure and National Congress for Liberty (CNL) militants marred the 21 days of campaigning, leading to the killing of four people, according to the government.

The ministry has also asked supporters of opposition parties CNL and Uprona to cast their votes peacefully, “and return to their homes immediately after the vote. All gathering at polling stations are strictly prohibited.” This was in reaction to the parties’ call on its members to turn up in big numbers. 

In his final rally in Gitega, opposition leader Agathon Rwasa called on his supporters to closely monitor the elections.

“We know they want to steal votes but everyone should monitor closely the counting because it is their right,” said Rwasa.