Burundi opens crucial presidential election amid pandemic

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A crucial election has begun in the East African nation of Burundi, where President Pierre Nkurunziza is stepping aside after a divisive 15-year rule but will remain “paramount leader” in the country that continues to reject outside scrutiny. The vote is one of the most important transfers of power in Burundi since independence in 1962. Face masks and social distancing were observed as voting began after 6 a.m. but…