President Pierre Nkurunziza

Burundi's opposition parties announced Friday they will boycott all upcoming key elections, saying it was not possible to hold a fair vote following weeks of violence over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to cling to power.

"All the opposition have unanimously decided to boycott the elections," a letter signed by representatives of all the political opposition read. Parliamentary elections are due to be held on Monday, ahead of the presidential vote on July 15.