Burundi Votes Today Amid Coronavirus Fears

Voters in Burundi go to the polls today to elect a new president who will take charge of the country for the next five years.

Also on the agenda is the election of hundred members to fill the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus Death Toll Hits 190 As Nigeria Records 6,401 Cases

The incumbent president, Pierre Nkurunziza leaves office after the election after fifteen years of ruling his country.

Seven candidates are vying to succeed him but the president has thrown his weight behind his chief of staff, Evariste Ndayishimiye who represents the ruling party.

The other main candidate is deputy Speaker of the country’s parliament, Agathon Rwasa.

READ ALSO: Ghana’s Coronavirus Case Count Jumps To 6,096

The 56 year old former rebel leader is counting on his country’s 11 million disgruntled citizens to cause an upset.

The vote comes amid fears that the coronavirus pandemic could spiral out of control in the east African country.

Burundi is one of the least affected countries in the coronavirus pandemic. It has so far recorded only 42 cases with only 1 death and 1 person discharged.

READ ALSO: Sudan Ordered To Pay $10b To US Embassy Bombings Victims

Burundi has resisted the imposition of tough restrictions, with the government only advising its citizens to stick to strict hygiene rules and avoiding crowds.