Majority of Burundi's voters have agreed to amend the constitution in changes that could prolong the rule of President Pierre Nkurunziza until 2034, the country's electoral commission announced Today.

 

Reports indicates that more than 73 percent of 4.7 million voters in the May 17 referendum supported the constitutional amendments, with only 19 percent opposing the changes.  Burundians on Thursday went to the polls to vote in a referendum on sweeping constitutional reforms that would shore up the power of President Pierre Nkurunziza and enable him to rule until 2034.

 

Observers ahead of the vote expressed alarm at reported violence and intimidation of the referendum's perceived opponents. A presidential decree was made for opponents who decided to to abstain from voting, with a penalty of up to three years in jail.

 

Meanwhile, a report from Human Rights Watch says 15 killings and six rapes were carried out as punishment for those who were against the referendum.

AEP

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