US Denounces 'climate Of Fear' That Marred Burundi Referendum
Rukhshan Mir (@rukhshanmir) Published May 21, 2018 | 11:29 PM
The United States on Monday denounced the "climate of fear and intimidation" and "lack of transparency" it said marred a vote on constitutional reform in Burundi and questioned the results
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2018 ) :The United States on Monday denounced the "climate of fear and intimidation" and "lack of transparency" it said marred a vote on constitutional reform in Burundi and questioned the results.
"The May 17 referendum process in Burundi was marred by a lack of transparency, the suspension of media outlets, and attempts to pressure voters," the US State Department said in a statement. And while "vigorous campaigning by the opposition" was allowed during a designated two-week period, "numerous cases of harassment and repression of referendum opponents in the months preceding the vote contributed to a climate of fear and intimidation," it said.
According to provisional results released on Monday, 73 percent of voters backed constitutional reforms that bolster President Pierre Nkurunziza's power and allow him to seek another two terms in office.
Observers had widely expected the reforms to pass, partly due to support Nkurunziza still holds in rural areas, but also due to a three-year crackdown on dissent, the media and civil society. Nkurunziza, 54, who has been in power since 2005, plunged his tiny east African nation into crisis in 2015 when he circumvented a constitutional two-term limit, arguing his first term came after an election by parliament.
The move sparked angry protests, a government crackdown, a coup attempt and widespread abuses which prompted the International Criminal Court to launch a probe into the atrocities. This angered Burundi which became the first country to withdraw from the ICC. At least 1,200 people have died and 400,000 been displaced, according to the ICC.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Security forces kill four terrorists in Tank
Fake immoral video of Ducky Bhai's wife goes on viral on social media
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 April 2024
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 April 2024
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
More Stories From World
-
England stars Kane and Bellingham headline Bayern-Real Madrid battle
15 minutes ago -
German ex-soldier to stand trial in Russian spying case
25 minutes ago -
Spain's PM to announce Monday whether he will resign or not
25 minutes ago -
20,000 Georgians march 'for Europe', protest controversial bill
45 minutes ago -
Madrid wary of 'bestia negra' Bayern in 'European Clasico'
55 minutes ago -
S. Africa's ex-president Zuma makes surprise comeback
55 minutes ago
-
Climate change, Brexit threaten to wilt Dutch tulips
55 minutes ago -
Clippers thwart Mavs' comeback bid, Brunson's 47 points fuel Knicks win
55 minutes ago -
New Zealand's McLaughlin wins second straight Alabama IndyCar race
55 minutes ago -
English version of book about Xi's elaborations on BRI published
2 hours ago -
Alcaraz passes 'test of fire', Sabalenka survives in Madrid Open
4 hours ago -
Clippers thwart Mavs' comeback bid, Brunson's 47 points fuel Knicks win
4 hours ago