{{In Burundi, members of the ruling party CNDD- FDD have suffered a setback after their attempts failed to have the country’s constitution reformed.}}
They needed atleast 85 votes in favour of constitutional reform but only got 84 votes. This means the deal to push forward the third term project for Pierre President Nkurunziza has been technically blocked.
The country’s assembly can not reconvene on the same issue within a year.
As required the National Assembly was convened to vote for the new Draft constitution but hit a snag for lack of quorum.
President Pierre Nkurunziza’s party CNDD- FDD which dominates the country’s parliament is accused of pushing for constitutional changes that might create room for the incumbent to seek another term in office.
Revision of the Constitution requires a majority of four fifths (4/5) of the vote, the ruling party in Burundi needed four little voices to reach the magic number of 85 votes so that the project could be approved.
However, when the national assembly convened there was wrangling all day and finally the three opposition members poached by the authority agreed to vote “For” on condition that they would be given a ministerial post, which was done.
CNDD- FDD party thought they had found another opposition member. Despite striking a deal, the opposition party member withdrew at the last minute. Only 84 members vote ‘Yes’ yet it needed at least 85 votes which means the rejection of the reform.
According to the Speaker of the House , this decision can not be represented within one year.
The Burundian Interior Minister Edouard Nduwimana , who defended the text, did not hide his disappointment; announcing that it was still possible for the president to use the referendum to pass the review, which would pave the way for a third presidential term .
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