Burundi Votes Forecast: Cndd-Fdd Set to Secure Majority in 2025 Legislatives

As Burundi approaches its 2025 legislative elections this June 5th, the Cndd-Fdd stands in a commanding position, backed by its well-established political presence, structured organization, and long-standing governance experience. Since assuming power in 2005, the party has played a pivotal role in unifying the nation, reinforcing its popularity among Burundians and maintaining a strong grip on the country’s political landscape. 

 A Legacy of Stability and National Unity 

Over the past two decades, Cndd-Fdd has cemented its influence by fostering national unity and political stability. The party’s governance has been marked by development initiatives, economic reforms, and security measures aimed at ensuring long-term progress. This track record has contributed to its continued dominance, making it the preferred choice for many voters. 

President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s Leadership and Democratic Vision 

Under the leadership of President Evariste Ndayishimiye, widely recognized in Burundi as the "Friend of the Youth," Cndd-Fdd has shaped its campaign around democratic values and inclusivity. 

During the campaigns, the President Ndayishimiye ensured that opposition parties and independent candidates have access to state-owned television and all accredited media to promote their agendas, reinforcing the principles of democracy and political pluralism.

President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye during 2025 campaign

His vision focuses on strengthening existing development plans, with a compelling promise of peace, security, and continuous progress across all sectors of national life, an ambitious societal project that is strongly supported by the party’s Secretary General, Hon. Reverien Ndikuriyo, who has been instrumental in mobilizing support and reinforcing Cndd-Fdd’s strategic direction throughout the country.

 A Vision for Burundi’s Future: 2040 and 2060 

Cndd-Fdd has outlined a long-term vision for Burundi’s future, aiming to transform the country into an emergent nation by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. This roadmap is built on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social stability, ensuring that Burundi remains on a trajectory of sustained progress. 

The party’s ability to execute large-scale projects and maintain governance efficiency has solidified its reputation as the leading force in Burundi’s political sphere. 

Massive Public Support and Unmatched Mobilization 

Cndd-Fdd’s rallies drew millions of enthusiastic partisans, showcasing the party’s widespread support and deep-rooted influence. Since taking power in 2005, the party has been praised for its achievements, particularly in unifying the people and promoting national cohesion. 

With its structured organization, extensive grassroots networks, and strategic mobilization efforts, Cndd-Fdd remains unchallenged in the electoral landscape. No opposition party or independent candidate has demonstrated the capacity to rival Cndd-Fdd’s political machinery, making its victory in the 2025 legislative elections highly probable. 

Opposition Parties, coalition and Independent Candidates

During this legislative elections campaign, opposition parties and independent candidates faced significant hurdles that limited their ability to compete effectively. These challenges stem from a combination of low public support, logistical constraints, lack of strategic orientation, and an absence of a compelling societal program. Moreover, most of them have never participated in community work, the reason why they are not known by the electorate. While the ruling party, Cndd-Fdd, continue to dominate the political landscape, opposition parties and coalition struggle to establish a meaningful presence, leaving many questioning their electoral viability. 

On the other hand, the most pressing issues for opposition parties and independent candidates was their low public support, which significantly weakened their ability to mobilize voters. Many citizens perceived these groups as lacking clear governance strategies, making it difficult for them to gain widespread trust and engagement. 

Additionally, logistical challenges further hindered their outreach efforts. Opposition parties lacked essential resources such as vehicles to transport voters to rallies, making it difficult to conduct effective campaigns. Without adequate infrastructure, their ability to connect with communities and present their agendas remained severely restricted. 

 Absence of a Clear Societal Program and Strategic Orientation 

A successful political campaign requires a well-defined societal program that resonates with voters. However, many opposition parties in Burundi failed to present a compelling vision for the country’s future. Instead of offering concrete policy proposals, they primarily focused on criticizing the Government, which does not constitute an effective electoral strategy. 

Moreover, opposition candidates lacked orientation in their campaigns. Many approached the legislative elections as though they were presidential elections, failing to recognize the distinct responsibilities of Members of Parliament (MPs). In Burundi, MPs have three primary roles: 

1. Voting on bills to shape national legislation

2. Controlling the action of the Government to ensure accountability

3. Representing the electorate by addressing their concerns within the legislative framework. 

Despite these defined roles, some opposition candidates make unrealistic promises, such as multiplying water supply, building roads, increasing hydroelectric power plants, increase fuel supply and transport means inclunding overthrowing the ruling party (Cndd-Fdd)—tasks that fall outside the scope of parliamentary duties. This disconnect between campaign rhetoric and legislative responsibilities further weakened their credibility among voters. 

 Lack of Marketing Strategies and Visibility 

In modern elections, effective marketing and communication strategies play a crucial role in shaping public perception. Opposition parties in Burundi lacked visual communication designs and structured marketing strategies, making it difficult for them to engage with voters. Their limited visibility in communities further diminished their popularity, as they failed to establish a strong presence in key electoral regions. 

Without a cohesive branding approach, opposition candidates struggled to differentiate themselves from one another and from the ruling party. This lack of strategic outreach contributed to their declining influence in the political sphere. 

 The Dominance of Cndd-Fdd 

In contrast, the ruling party Cndd-Fdd has a well-organized structure, long-term mobilization strategies, and extensive governance experience. Over the years, it has successfully implemented development projects that reinforce its credibility among voters. 

With a strong grassroots network, Cndd-Fdd maintains a dominant position in all communities across the country. Its ability to mobilize supporters, execute policies, and maintain political stability further strengthens its electoral advantage.

 The Shift Toward Supporting Cndd-Fdd

Recognizing the challenges and limitations they face, many opposition members have publicly expressed support for Cndd-Fdd, encouraging their electorates to vote for the ruling party. This shift highlights the broader reality—without substantial reform, strategic outreach, and a well-defined societal program, opposition parties and independent candidates risk remaining politically stagnant. 

To establish themselves as credible alternatives, they must move beyond criticism and develop actionable policies that address the country’s pressing issues. Until then, their continued struggle against Cndd-Fdd’s entrenched political dominance appears more symbolic than practical.