On 12 and 13 February 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) hosted a two-day workshop with leaders of civil society organizations involved in elections at the Royal Palace Hotel in Bujumbura. This event, which included only those organizations that signed collaboration agreements with CENI for the 2025 elections, builds on previous meetings held on 17 May 2024 and 17 January 2025. The objective was to achieve a harmonized understanding of civic education, electoral education, and electoral observation through constructive dialogue.
This workshop has significant implications for the enabling environment for civil society in Burundi. It demonstrates a move towards respecting and protecting fundamental civil society freedoms by fostering cooperation between the government and civil society. The event also highlights the supportive legal framework provided by Article 92 of the Constitution of Burundi and Article 4 of Decree No. 100/125 of 31 August 2018, which facilitates such engagements. However, the fact that many of CENI’s civil society partners are linked to the ruling party, while some independent organizations have been deregistered or suspended, underscores ongoing challenges. This event represents both an opportunity for enhanced cooperation and a reminder of the need for continued efforts to ensure an open and responsive state, supportive public culture, and sustainable resources for civil society actors in Burundi.
- The workshop fosters cooperation between the government and civil society organizations, promoting a more open and responsive state. It provides a platform for civil society leaders to engage in constructive dialogue about civic education, electoral education, and electoral observation, enhancing their capacity to participate in the electoral process.
- Civil society organizations that signed collaboration agreements with CENI benefit by gaining insights into electoral activities and contributing to a harmonized understanding of democratic principles. This empowers them to mobilize citizens and advocate for fair and transparent elections.
- Similar positive events have occurred in the past year, including meetings held on 17 January 2025 and 17 May 2024. These meetings have consistently aimed to build trust and cooperation between the government and civil society, demonstrating a commitment to improving the enabling environment for civil society actors in Burundi.