How did UPRONA perform in Burundi’s 1961 legislative elections?

In the 1961 legislative elections in Burundi, the Unity for National Progress (UPRONA) achieved a decisive victory. Out of 64 total legislative seats, the ethnically mixed party secured 58, which included 22 seats held by Hutu members of the party.12

Following this success, the party's leader, Prince Rwagasore—a Tutsi and the eldest son of Mwami Mwambutsa—became prime minister and formed a new government. Representing populist aspirations and strong support for the monarchy, Rwagasore’s leadership was cut short by his assassination on October 13, 1961, an event that initiated a period of significant instability for the nation leading up to its independence on July 1, 1962.12