The role of the parliament of Burundi as envisaged in the 2005 Constitution is central to that country’s political renewal. But much remains to be done to translate a sound political framework into an institution that is responsive to the needs of the people.
After achieving independence in 1962, Burundi found itself deeply divided along ethnic lines and social classes – a situation similar to many other post-colonial countries. The result was nearly four decades of political unrest and upheavals marked by violent coups, war crimes and genocide. It was only in 2000, with the Arusha Agreements, that the country was able to begin to reconcile its internal differences, especially between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, and to set itself on a course toward democratic governance.
Such a course was further consolidated in March 2005 with the promulgation of a new Constitution that envisages, among other things, a bicameral parliament whose composition, election, and duties are at once innovative and solidly rooted in the best tradition of democratic institution-building.
Under the new Constitution, the two chambers of the Burundian parliament are to be representative of all ethnic groups (in equal numbers for the Senate, and in set proportions for the National Assembly). At least 30 per cent of their members must be women, and must give fair access to all political parties. The Senate, where each province enjoys equal membership, has sole responsibility for approving governmental appointments to key posts and for monitoring the respect of ethnic and gender balance in all institutions of the State. Otherwise, both chambers have the power to initiate or reject legislation and question cabinet ministers, as well as many other prerogatives typical of advanced parliamentary democracies.
While on paper the parliament of Burundi appears well equipped to exercise its constitutional role, in practice it lacks many essential capacities to be truly effective. Burundi is one of the least developed countries, with an average per capita income of less than a dollar a day. It is also a heavily indebted country where debt-servicing charges tend to outweigh the health and education budget. In this context, technical assistance by the international community is essential to take care of needs that would otherwise go unmet.
A recent needs assessment mission of the IPU (conducted in cooperation with IFES and with experts from the parliaments of Italy, France and Cameroon) concluded that the parliament of Burundi remains a fragile institution. A number of urgent interventions are required to train staff, such as précis-writers, researchers, librarians, protocol officers and information technology professionals. The vast majority of deputies are first-timers and will therefore urgently need to become acquainted with the rudiments of the functioning of a parliament, especially in a bicameral context (bicameralism is a relatively new feature of Burundi's recent political landscape). Questions such as gender issues and human rights, as well as more specific functions such as drafting legislation, communicating with constituents, and a host of other aspects of the parliamentary mandate, will also need to be addressed. What is required is a long-term strategic plan for the development of parliament in Burundi that can be supported by the international community.
As it has been shown time and again, citizens' trust in their elected representatives is directly proportional to the latter’s' ability to perform and deliver on the expectations of their constituents. That is why the IPU and its partners are set to follow up on their recent needs assessment with an assistance programme that will go a long way in strengthening the parliamentary institution of that country.
