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Prospects of Elections and Instruments
to ensure a viable Post-Election Political Environment
in Burundi as stipulated in the Arusha Agreement and
Pretoria Agreement by the end of October 2004
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NUMBER: 1
DATE: 19 AUGUST 2004
Mr D J Sithole (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:
(1) With reference to the recent negotiations on peace
in Burundi, (a) what are the prospects of the elections
in that country being held by the end of October 2004
as stipulated in the Arusha Agreement and Pretoria Agreement
and (b) what instruments are envisaged to ensure a viable
post-election political environment in Burundi;
(2) Whether South Africa's participation in Burundi
has enhanced our standing as a peacemaker on the Continent;
if so, what are the relevant details?
N520E
REPLY
1. (a) I am still optimistic that elections in Burundi
can be held by the end of October 2004. On 6 August
2004 about twenty political parties including the Transitional
Government of Burundi concluded a Power Sharing Agreement
in Pretoria. During that process they also committed
themselves to holding the elections in terms of the
stipulations of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation
Agreement of 28 August 2000, which put the date for
the elections at the end of October 2004. This agreement
was endorsed by the Summit of the Great Lakes Regional
Peace initiative on Burundi which met in Tanzania yesterday.
The Summit also called on the Transitional Government
of Burundi to ensure that the Independent Electoral
Commission is in place by the 29th of August. The newly
formed Electoral Commission, is the only body that will
be in a position to assess the practicalities of holding
the elections and advise whether any changes need to
be made. We are guided by the Arusha Agreement which
sets the transitional period at three years. We also
need to ensure that all that we do contributes to the
attainment of peace and stability in Burundi.
(b)The instruments envisaged to ensuring a viable post-election
environment would be enshrined in the post-transition
constitution in terms of the principles stipulated in
the Arusha Agreement and other legal principles as may
be agreed by the Barundians themselves as they deem
necessary. Among other things the Constitution will
include:
· a Charter of the Basic Rights and Duties of
the Individual and Citizen
· the opening up of all political parties to
all Barundi
· that the candidates' lists presented by political
parties should reflect an inclusive multi-ethnic character
· that the Senate will be constituted on a 50/50
basis
2. I believe that South Africa has made a significant
contribution to peace in Burundi through its protection
of the Burundi returning exiles; its participation in
the African Union Mission in Burundi as a key force
and its role in facilitating negotiations between the
various parties.
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