EU to review cooperation with Burundi following polls

The European Union (EU) says it plans to review its cooperation with Burundi following Tuesday’s presidential polls boycotted by the opposition.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Thursday that sanctions could be imposed on "those whose action have led to or are leading to acts of violence and repression, to the serious violations of human rights or hindering the quest for a political solution" to the crisis.

The sanctions could include asset freezes and travel bans for some government officials.

Mogherini also threatened that the 28-nation bloc would resort to legal measures to put pressure on the Burundian government to end the crisis.

People in Burundi went to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots to elect the next president amid ongoing bloody unrest in the African country.

The presidential vote was held despite opposition to President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term, which opponents say violates a constitutional two-term limit.

Vote counting is underway and the results are expected to be announced later on Friday, but Nkurunziza is seen as a shoo-in for a third consecutive term.

Last month, the opposition and civil society groups boycotted the parliamentary election in the poverty-locked country, which was held on June 29, as well as the presidential vote, claiming they would not be free and fair.

Burundi has been the scene of street demonstrations, a violent police crackdown and a failed coup attempt by a section of the army.

More than 100 people have been killed since Nkurunziza announced plans to run for a third term in April.

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