UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Monday said that the political environment in Burundi is not conducive to credible elections.
Michel Kafando, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Burundi, said at a Security Council meeting on Burundi that the political situation "remained tense" in the country and was characterized by some measures to restrict freedom, as only the majority party and allied political groups could freely conduct political activities.
He said the economic situation was not improving in this political context, adding such an environment "can't be conducive to the organization of credible elections."
Kafando noted that the security situation was improving, although human rights violations continued to be reported.
Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza, assuming office since 2005, is leading a push for a referendum in May on amending the constitution that would allow him to run in elections in 2020.
In a report presented to the council this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized Nkurunziza's move to hold a constitutional referendum, saying changes to the charter must be done in an "inclusive" manner.
