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Whatever the outcome the African union is going to reject the result – as illegitimate.

That’s the word from officials in the office of AU Commission chair, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Meanwhile,leading opposition politician Agathon Rwasa has called on President Pierre Nkurunziza to hold talks with rivals and form a national unity government after a disputed election, saying it could help avert a new conflict in the poor African nation.

Agathon Rwasa, a former rebel leader like Nkurunziza in Burundi’s civil war, told Reuters action was needed to prevent generals behind a foiled coup in May taking up arms in a crisis triggered by Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in office.

The opposition has accused Nkurunziza of violating the constitution by seeking another term and boycotted Tuesday’s vote, all but handing him victory. The president cited a court ruling saying he could run again.

One of the generals behind the May coup attempt told Reuters this month that force was the only option after dialogue and international pressure had failed to stop Nkurunziza running.

Nkurunziza’s third-term bid has plunged the nation into its worst crisis since the end of a civil war in 2005, stoking tensions in a region with a history of ethnic conflict.

 

The African Union said Wednesday it had begun deployment of military and human rights observers to Burundi, where vote counting was underway a day after a presidential election.

Results from the polls, which have been condemned as illegitimate by the international community after sparking months of deadly violence that forced tens of thousands to flee the country, are expected later in the week.

The AU teams are aimed to “prevent an escalation of violence in Burundi and to facilitate the completion of efforts to resolve the serious crisis” in the country, the pan-African bloc said in a statement.

The polls, which were marred by violence, are expected to see incumbent Pierre Nkurunziza win a controversial third term.

Anti-Nkurunziza protests have been violently repressed, leaving at least 100 people dead since late April. Many opponents have also fled — joining an exodus of more than 150,000 ordinary Burundians who fear their country may again be engulfed by widespread violence.

Military experts will help monitor the “disarmament of militias and other armed groups”, the AU added.

The Imbonerakure, which means “those who see far”, are the ruling party’s youth wing, have been branded a militia by the United Nations.