Panafrican News Agency

Burundi: EU deploys 80 monitors for elections in Burundi

Bujumbura, Burundi (PANA) – The European Union will deploy 80 observers to monitor presidential and general elections due to be held in Burundi between May and August this year, Burundi's Foreign Relations and International Cooperation minister, Laurent Kavakure said here Wednesday.

According to the minister, an agreement has been signed ahead of the deployment with Burundi guaranteeing security and free movement of the EU observers across the country throughout the election period.

Preparation for the polls is in final stage with completion of the candidates' list for the first two rounds of municipal and communal elections, which will take place on 26 May.

The presidential election will follow a month later and the filing of candidatures for the major poll should end on 30 April.

A UN election observation mission in Burundi started its work on 1 January 2015 while the African Union's election observation team is getting set.

-0- PANA FB/BEH/MSA/AR 22April2015