The Burundian Diaspora in the United Republic of Tanzania Turned Out in Large Numbers to Vote for Members of Parliament on June 5, 2025

While eligible citizens across Burundi were actively mobilized to vote for Members of Parliament and Communal Council representatives, the Burundian diaspora in Tanzania also answered the call of civic duty. Voting took place at four designated polling stations: Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Kigoma, and Arusha.

Participants included diplomats serving in the Burundian Representation, staff from the Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR), diaspora members registered in Tanzania, Burundian officials on short visits who had registered elsewhere, as well as Burundians whose stay in Tanzania happened to coincide with election day.

In full compliance with the guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), each voter was required to present either a voter card or a valid registration receipt.

In Dar es Salaam and other polling centers, voting officially began at 9:00 AM and was scheduled to end at 5:30 PM. However, due to the high turnout and the number of voters still waiting, polling officials extended the process until 6:30 PM to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to cast their vote.

This strong turnout highlights the patriotic spirit of Burundians living abroad and affirms their active role in shaping the nation’s future through democratic participation, even beyond national borders.