The DA notes the results of the Burundi Referendum are expected to be released tomorrow and calls for calm.

The DA stands behind the people of Burundi and makes an appeal to all stakeholders that the will of the people be respected.

The referendum asks the people of Burundi to vote yes or no to a proposal to extend the presidential term from five years to seven, which would allow the incumbent, Pierre Nkurunziza, to rule for up to 14 more years after his current term expires in 2020.

However, the lack intervention by the South African government to stop the blatant attempt to undermine hard-won gains towards constitutional democracy in Burundi, is greatly concerning.

The DA is heartened by reports of the people of Burundi turning out to exercise their democratic rights to vote in the referendum.

They do this despite the intimidation and harassment in the last months leading up to the referendum because they believe in the vision of the Arusha Peace Accords of a peaceful and democratic Burundi.

The DA asks that the will of the people be respected and that the government of South Africa take a stand to protect democracy on the African continent.

 

Issued by DA