Burundi's Opposition Leader Elected As Deputy Speaker In Parliament

     Burundi main opposition leader Agathon Rwasa has taken office as deputy speaker in parliament after an election which his coalition boycotted.


It was the least expected outcome, especially after Rwasa's many condemnations of the electoral process, and his activities supporting months of civil unrest.

Rwasa, is already being branded a traitor by other opposition figures, but he says he would not oppose the formation of a unity government, if its main aim is to prepare new elections.

The opposition leader was elected as the national assembly's first deputy president, in a parliament session on Thursday.

He polled 108 votes out of 112, thanks to the support from President Pierre Nkurunziza's party.

Interior Minister, Edouard Nduwimana, who had pulled out of key talks with the opposition just before the presidential elections, was elected as second vice president of the assembly.