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Burundian politician flees to Belgium and denounces 'illegal' elections Burundian politician flees to Belgium and denounces 'illegal' elections
(about 3 hours later)
The head of Burundi’s parliament has fled the country on the eve of key elections on Monday following weeks of violence, and described the president’s bid for a third term as “illegal”.The head of Burundi’s parliament has fled the country on the eve of key elections on Monday following weeks of violence, and described the president’s bid for a third term as “illegal”.
Amid international criticism of Pierre Nkurunziza’s government’s refusal to delay the vote, Pie Ntavyohanyuma said he had left Burundi for Belgium.Amid international criticism of Pierre Nkurunziza’s government’s refusal to delay the vote, Pie Ntavyohanyuma said he had left Burundi for Belgium.
Related: Burundi vice-president calls on president to quitRelated: Burundi vice-president calls on president to quit
He told France 24: “For the moment, I am forced to stay in Brussels ... I stayed here given the difficulties in my country, difficulties which are due to the illegal third mandate of the president.”He told France 24: “For the moment, I am forced to stay in Brussels ... I stayed here given the difficulties in my country, difficulties which are due to the illegal third mandate of the president.”
Several top officials, including the deputy vice-president Gervais Rufyikiri and members of the election commission and constitutional court, have also fled the east African nation, which is one of the poorest countries on the continent.Several top officials, including the deputy vice-president Gervais Rufyikiri and members of the election commission and constitutional court, have also fled the east African nation, which is one of the poorest countries on the continent.
Ntavyohanyuma continued: “On the eve of the election ... I would like to say to him [Nkurunziza] that the mandate he wants to have is illegal. I would like to say to him that forcing through the election is senseless.” Ntavyohanyuma continued: “On the eve of the election … I would like to say to him [Nkurunziza] that the mandate he wants to have is illegal. I would like to say to him that forcing through the election is senseless.”
Opponents have claimed Nkurunziza’s attempt to secure another term is unconstitutional and violates a peace accord that helped end a 12-year civil war in 2006. The government has defied all requests for a delay and the electoral commission said on Sunday that it was ready for the polls.Opponents have claimed Nkurunziza’s attempt to secure another term is unconstitutional and violates a peace accord that helped end a 12-year civil war in 2006. The government has defied all requests for a delay and the electoral commission said on Sunday that it was ready for the polls.
Related: Students in Burundi seek refuge at U​​S​​ embassy amid political turmoilRelated: Students in Burundi seek refuge at U​​S​​ embassy amid political turmoil
Three people were killed overnight on Saturday, adding to the more than 70 who have died in weeks of violence and a failed coup.Three people were killed overnight on Saturday, adding to the more than 70 who have died in weeks of violence and a failed coup.
Parliamentary and local elections set to be held on Monday will be followed by a presidential vote on July 15. Parliamentary and local elections set to be held on Monday will be followed by a presidential vote on 15 July.