Eleven opposition parties in Burundi announced Tuesday their support for incumbent President Evariste Ndayishimiye's candidacy in next year's presidential election.

The parties announced their decision following a meeting in the commercial capital, Bujumbura, as part of preparations for the presidential election scheduled for May 3, 2027.

Ndayishimiye was nominated last April as the candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy, or CNDD-FDD.

In a joint statement, the opposition parties, including FROLINA, KAZE-FDD and RADEBU, said they had agreed to join forces and conduct a joint campaign in support of the ruling party's candidate.

The parties cited Ndayishimiye's achievements, particularly in combating corruption, preserving national sovereignty and maintaining the security of people and their property, as reasons for their decision.

National vision

They also "reaffirmed their commitment to the national vision as well as determination to help build a state governed by the rule of law that guarantees independence and justice for all."

In addition to their political support, the parties pledged to contribute their expertise and mobilisation efforts toward achieving the national vision.

According to a recent presidential decree, candidates are expected to submit their nomination papers to the Independent National Electoral Commission between November 13 and 22.

Under Burundi's 2018 Constitution, the president serves a seven-year term and may hold office for no more than two consecutive terms.

Ndayishimiye has served as Burundi's president since 2020, following the death of his predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza, who died while in office.