Burundi’s 2027 presidential race has begun to take shape after the APDR-Abanyamahoro party officially nominated its president, Gabriel Banzawitonde, as its candidate for the country’s next presidential election.
The decision was made during the party’s national congress held in Bujumbura on June 28, 2026. Banzawitonde secured the nomination after defeating four other contenders: Samuel Nininahazwe, Désiré Niyonizigiye, Marie Goreth Maniraho and Elias Ndayishimiye.
Party officials described the move as part of their commitment to maintaining political pluralism and encouraging democratic competition in Burundi. APDR-Abanyamahoro stated that its campaign would focus on respectful political engagement and would avoid personal attacks against rival candidates.
The announcement comes at a time when the ruling CNDD-FDD party continues to dominate Burundi’s political landscape, holding virtually all seats in the country’s legislative institutions. Supporters of the ruling party argue that this dominance reflects strong public confidence in its leadership.
Speaking after his nomination, Banzawitonde outlined a platform centered on judicial reform, improved living standards for civil servants, agricultural support and stronger international relations.
He declared: “Today, Burundians thirst for justice, civil servants need a good salary, [and we need to] solve the fertilizer issues and ensure a stable relationship, but in the APDR party, we will find a solution for these because we have already studied them.”
His remarks highlighted concerns frequently raised by Burundian citizens, particularly regarding economic challenges, agricultural production and access to justice.
Speculation about Banzawitonde’s presidential ambitions had circulated for months. In May 2026, the newspaper Ikiriho suggested that he could become a presidential candidate and described him as a significant political figure with close ties to President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
The publication even noted that the two leaders maintained a cordial relationship, writing that “Both deeply appreciate each other, and they respect each other very much.” and predicting that a contest between them would attract considerable public attention.
While APDR-Abanyamahoro has now entered the race, several prominent opposition figures remain absent from the list of potential candidates. Among them is Agathon Rwasa, whose political future has been complicated by disputes surrounding the leadership of the CNL party he founded.
Political observers view Banzawitonde’s nomination as the first major step toward what is expected to be an increasingly active electoral season. With the presidential election scheduled for May 3, 2027, attention is gradually shifting toward the emerging field of candidates and the political alliances that may shape the campaign.
Although President Ndayishimiye remains one of the country’s most influential political figures due to the strength of the ruling party, the entry of Gabriel Banzawitonde into the race introduces a new dynamic that is likely to generate debate and renewed political activity in the months ahead.
