Ahead of presidential and local听elections in Burundi on Wednesday, the African Union (AU) Commission听and the United Nations (UN) urged the authorities to provide a safe and secure environment for citizens to cast their votes.
In a听joint statement听issued on Sunday, the partners听said they have been following the electoral campaign and remain concerned about reports of intimidation and violent clashes between supporters of opposing sides.
"The two Organizations encourage all entities involved in organizing the 20 May 2020 elections, the defense and security forces and state-owned media to fully contribute to preserving a stable and peaceful environment, pre-requisite for free, inclusive, fair, transparent and credible elections in Burundi," the statement said.
"They urge all political actors to refrain from all acts of violence and hate speech, and resort to dialogue, to enable the holding of consensual and peaceful elections. They also encourage the Burundian authorities to ensure and facilitate the full participation of women during this electoral process."
The AU Commission and the UN Secretariat also called on political parties to abide by the Code of Conduct which they had signed last December.
Authorities in the East African country were also urged to implement preventive measures to protect citizens from the听COVID-19听pandemic.
Last week, a UN Commission of Inquiry also听over violence and human rights abuses in the run-up to the vote.
Members also deeply regretted the government鈥檚 decision to expel four staff members of the World Health Organization () from the country.
