26 April 2014 - The United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) welcomed the adoption by consensus of the new Electoral Code by the National Assembly of Burundi, this Friday 25 April 2014 which is seen as an important step in view of the 2015 elections.

BNUB also welcomes the fact that the new Electoral Code reflects the recommendations contained in the consensual Roadmap adopted by the Burundian political parties and actors in March 2013 in Bujumbura, as well as the conclusions of the Kayanza workshop on the Electoral Code, of May 2013.

BNUB congratulates the Government and Parliamentarians of Burundi for this significant step forward, which should contribute to the restoration of confidence, the improvement of the political environment and the creation of propitious conditions for the proper preparation of the electoral process, with a view to free, transparent, credible and peaceful elections in 2015.

BNUB encourages the Government and all political parties and actors in Burundi to maintain the spirit of consultation and invites them to pursue constructive and inclusive political dialogue, notably on the occasion of the upcoming workshop to be jointly organised by the Government and the United Nations, in May 2014.

BNUB takes this opportunity to renew the recent call by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Burundian political class to work together to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation.

In this regard, and in accordance with its mandate, BNUB will continue to support the efforts of the Government and the entire Burundian society for the consolidation of peace and democratic achievements in Burundi ahead of the elections in 2015.