5 January 2015 - As part of his first meetings with Burundi authorities, the Special Envoy and Head of the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi (MENUB), Cassam Uteem, on Monday afternoon met with the Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation, Laurent Kavakure.

The topics raised by the two officials focused on the electoral process and the cooperation between the Government of Burundi and the Mission. Mr.Uteem was namely accompanied by Deputy Head of MENUB, Issaka Souna.

In the coming days, the Head of MENUB will be received in audience by Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza and hold discussions with other national stakeholders and partners.

MENUB was established at the request of the Government of Burundi by  the Security Council and is tasked with following the electoral process and informing the Secretary General and the Security Council. Local, legislative and presidential elections will take place in Burundi between May and September.

Last Friday, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations hope that "all Burundians will seize this opportunity to consolidate peace and stability in their country."