*** Polling stations open in controversial Burundi election | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Polling stations open in controversial Burundi election

Polling stations in Burundi's controversial presidential elections opened at 6:00 am Tuesday, with President Pierre Nkurunziza widely expected to win a third consecutive term.

Some 3.8 million Burundians are eligible to vote in the polls, which the opposition and civil society groups are boycotting, claiming they will not be free and fair. Gunshots and explosions were heard overnight before the official poll opening.