The Politics Of Burundi In Review – (Part 1)

ELIJAH ONYEAGBA

Burundi is a very interesting country. It is made up of two major ethnic tribes – the Hutu’s and the Tutsi’s. They run a Bicameral legislation meaning that they have the Parliament (what we call House of Reps) and they have the Senate. 

Members of parliaments are elected from across the provinces (states) and their number depends on certain pre-determined criteria, which must satisfy the minimum 35% affirmation for women representation. The Senate is a bit more interesting as each province must have two Senators(One Hutu, One Tutsi, One Male, One Female). 

This means that women occupy a minimum of 35% membership in their parliament while statutorily occupying 50% of their Senate…. very interesting! 

Irrespective of the bitter war they experienced in the past! A member of Parliament, Olivier told me …. “In governance, we discuss as a party, not as a tribe or the religion you profess” ….. Hmmmmmmm! 

….. subsequently, I will discuss their model of Presidential system of governance and how elections are conducted and its frequency including their Governors- something I find very revealing and educating….. Stay tuned! 
Africa must find its brand of democracy that works for her and stick to it!

• Amb. Onyeagba writes from Burundi