UN observers say Burundi elections not free or credible

United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN observers have ruled that elections in Burundi that were wracked by violence and boycotted by the opposition were not free or credible, a UN spokesman said Thursday.

"The overall environment was not conducive for free, credible and inclusive elections," UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Parliamentary and local elections were held on Monday despite an appeal by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to postpone the polls that followed months of violence in Burundi.

The UN electoral observer mission said in a report that the elections took place "in a tense political crisis, and a climate of widespread fear and intimidation in parts of the country."

"Episodes of violence and explosions preceded, and in some cases accompanied Election Day activities, mostly in Bujumbura," said the report.

The results of the parliamentary polls have yet to be released but at least six people were shot dead in Bujumbura on Wednesday.

The elections on Monday set the stage for the presidential vote due on July 15.

The UN Security Council met to discuss the crisis in Burundi and the way forward after hearing a report from envoy Abdoulaye Bathily.

Bathily cast doubt on the government's willingness to hold talks with the opposition to try to resolve the crisis, according to diplomats who were present at the closed-door meeting.

Burundi was plunged into turmoil in late April when President Pierre Nkurunziza launched his drive for a third consecutive five-year term, triggering widespread protests.

Opponents say Nkurunziza's bid for another term is unconstitutional and violates a peace accord that ended 13 years of civil war in 2006.

At least 70 people have been killed and tens of thousands have fled Burundi seeking refuge in neighboring countries.