At least two people were killed as blast and gunfire echoed around different neighborhoods of the capital, Bujumbura, before polls opened on Tuesday.

Burundi has been the scene of street demonstrations, a violent police crackdown and a failed coup attempt by a section of the army.

By midday turnout was low in most areas and voters interviewed for DW were divided over the merits of the election.

The radical opposition boycotted the election on the ground that its participation would legitimize the candidacy of the incumbent president.

At least 70 people have been killed in protests since Mr Nkurunziza announced in April that he was running for a third term.

Western donors and African states, worried about tensions in a region with a history of ethnic conflict, urged Burundi to postpone the poll. The United States and Europe have halted a few aid to Burundi, one of the world’s poorest nations.

Presidential adviser Willy Nyamitwe blamed opponents and those behind protests for overnight violence, saying a policeman and civilian were killed. “I think what the leaders want is stability at any cost and if stability is better provided by Nkurunziza staying, I am sure they are ready to support this option”, Chemouni said.

Save the Children said a fifth of those fleeing Burundi are children under five, many of whom are suffering from malnutrition, malaria, pneumonia, worms, anaemia and diarrhoea.

Regional leaders have called for a delay to the election and for CNDD-FDD to agree to form an inclusive government including opposition groups, as well as allowing AU experts in to disarm militias.

The result of the election could take several days to emerge.

The US State Department has warned that the election is not credible.

The US says it’s reviewing all aspects of its partnership with the east African country including imposing visa restrictions on those it says are responsible for promoting instability.

Meanwhile refugee agencies have reported that intimidation by a militia loyal to the president and a fear of widespread violence sent thousands more people over the border in recent weeks, joining the estimated 170,000 Burundians who have now fled the country.

Flanked by bodyguards jogging or walking alongside him, Nkurunziza cycled to a polling station in his northern home village of Buye, which was filled with soldiers. Burundi has been rocked by violence that has left more than 100 people dead.

In Bujumbura, Emery Ndayizere, 30, said there was no point voting.

“Despite a facade of pluralism, this is an election with only one candidate, where Burundians already know the outcome”, said the ICG’s Thierry Vircoulon.

The electoral commission said opposition names were still on the ballots and any votes for them would be counted.