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Electoral/Political Party Reform: Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi

Implementations

Electoral/Political Party Reform – 2003

The Arusha accord called for the establishment of a multiparty political system for Burundi in which political parties can organize freely and form coalitions. To gurantee free and fair elections, the accord called for the establishment of an Independent National Electoral Commission.

Not all major parties to the conflict signed the agreement until 2003. During this three year gap, no developments were observed concerning electoral/political party reform.

Electoral/Political Party Reform – 2004

The National Independent Electoral Commission was established by parliament on 31 August 2004 with Paul Ngarambe as its chairman.¹

“United Nations Secretary General’s Report to the Security Council,” United Nations Security Council (S/2004/902), November 15, 2004.

Electoral/Political Party Reform – 2005

After constitutional approval in a referendum on 25 February, the transitional national assembly approved new electoral legislation on 12 March 2005.² The draft bill was approved by the senate on 13 April 2005.³ The parliamentary elections and senate elections were held in July and the presidential election was held in August of 2005.⁴

“Election 2005: Legislative Poll on Track as Parliament Approves New Electoral Laws in Burundi,” World Markets Analysis, March 14, 2005.
“Upper Chamber Endorses New Electoral Laws in Burundi,” World Market Analysis, March 14, 2005.
“Burundi; Elections Calendar Issued,” Africa News, April 25, 2005.