The PDC was established by brothers Joseph Biroli and Jean Ntitendereza shortly before independence after leaving the Union for National Progress (UPRONA).
[2] Local elections in November and December 1960 saw the PDC emerge as the largest party, winning 2,004 seats to UPRONA's 545.
[4] In October 1961, UPRONA leader and Prime Minister Prince Louis Rwagasore was assassinated by Jean Kageorgis, who was in the pay of the PDC.
The assassination was organised by Biroli and Ntitendereza with the encouragement of some Belgian officials, and aimed to create turmoil from which the PDC would benefit.
[5][6] With the PDC's loss in the legislative elections and the execution of Ntidendereza and Biroli, the party ceased to be a viable political force.