Burundi parliament opens after disputed poll, opposition takes seats

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza speaks during a news conference in Bujumbura, Burundi, May 17, 2015. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic

BUJUMBURA (Reuters) - Burundi's parliament sat for the first time on Monday after President Pierre Nkurunziza won a disputed election last week, with a leading opposition figure taking his seat despite having boycotted the vote.

The United States called the July 21 presidential vote "deeply flawed", while regional observers said the poll "fell short" of being free and fair. The opposition, which also boycotted parliamentary elections held on June 29, has accused the government of violence and intimidation against its members.