Polls in Burundi are underway to the backdrop of complaints of inflation, fuel shortages and political crackdowns.

Seats in the National Assembly, the Senate and the local council are running, but Évaristendayishimiye's role in the presidency is safe as his term of office lasts for seven years ends in 2027.

The election will test the popularity of the CNDD-FDD party, a former rebel group that has been in power for the past 20 years.

East African countries are already one of the poorest countries in the world, but the recent surge in prices of commodity prices such as food, and residents there are under further pressure.

Opposition complained that members of CNDD-FDD's youth coalition Imbonerakure harassed and intimidated their supporters.

"People are so intimidating that they tell you that they can't wear any party color other than the ruler," said Gabriel Banzawitonde, leader of the APDR party.

But they did not surrender, "Once they were in the voting booth, they promised to vote for you."

Several political analysts close to the BBC declined to talk about the election because of concerns that it would have an impact. "To avoid unnecessary hassle, you keep quiet," said an expert who doesn't want to be named.

"We pointed out from the very beginning that everything is tailored (for the ruling party)." They said, "They suggest that the CNDD-FDD victory was a deal.

Recently, some party officials have even been suggesting that a party system may be beneficial to Burundi.

Last weekend, Secretary-General Reverien Ndikuriyo told supporters: “To achieve development, all countries start with a single political party.

Even if this is historically inaccurate, the president made similar claims.

“Yes, when it becomes single (the only party), we will achieve development,” Ndikuriyo said.

But, he added in a mess, “'Don't let foreigners infiltrate you (and tell you) that the party wants to be single.”

A shortage of foreign currencies required for imports such as medicine and fuel has resulted in a decrease in economic activity in Burundi.

Analysts say Burundi's current foreign currency reserves are worth less than a month of import reserves, while regional standards will take at least four months.

The queue of cars extending about 100m (330 feet) from the service station has become a common sight. When motorists wait for fuel, they often last for days or weeks, and authorities are rationing the fuel.

According to the World Bank, the annual income of ordinary Berondi people in 2023 is US$193 (£142), the lowest among the East African community trading groups.

Faustin Ndikumana, an economist and anti-corruption activist, believes Burundi's situation will not improve any time soon.

``Good governance must be established. We're not there yet,'' he told the BBC.

But the Council and its leaders hold objections.

President Ndayishimiye said residents of Bujumbura, the largest city in Burundi, “looked bad in 2005” but now “have the money to buy shoes, new clothes and build houses”.

CNDD - FDD often responds to criticisms by reminding Burundians to fight for the House of Representatives (Hutus with a majority population) in order to gain power, after forty years of oppression by the minority Tutsis.