Burundian constitutional referendum, 2005
Encyclopedia
The Republic of Burundi held a constitutional referendum on 28 February 2005.
The new constitution guarantees representation for both ethnic groups by setting out the share of posts they will have in parliament and government and the army, which had been dominated by Tutsis since independence. Most political parties urged a "Yes" vote in the poll, but some Tutsi parties urged a "No" vote, stating that the new constitution doesn't give Tutsis enough guarantees. Election day was peaceful and no major incidents were reported. Voter turnout was high and the final results showed overwhelming support for the new constitution.
The new constitution guarantees representation for both ethnic groups by setting out the share of posts they will have in parliament and government and the army, which had been dominated by Tutsis since independence. Most political parties urged a "Yes" vote in the poll, but some Tutsi parties urged a "No" vote, stating that the new constitution doesn't give Tutsis enough guarantees. Election day was peaceful and no major incidents were reported. Voter turnout was high and the final results showed overwhelming support for the new constitution.
Main points of the constitution
- The ethnic composition of the National Assembly of BurundiNational Assembly of BurundiThe National Assembly is the lower chamber of Parliament in Burundi. It consists of 100 directly elected members and between 18 to 21 co-opted members who serve five-year terms....
is 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi. Three additional seats are reserved for members of the TwaTwaThe Twa are any of several hunting peoples of Africa who live interdependently with agricultural Bantu populations, and generally hold a socially subordinate position: They provide the farming population with game in exchange for agricultural products....
ethnic group, which makes up approximately one percent of the national population. - In the upper house of parliament, the Senate of BurundiSenate of BurundiThe Senate is the upper chamber of Parliament in Burundi. It consists of no fewer than 37 and no more than 54 members who serve 5-year terms....
, seats are evenly divided (50%-50%) between Hutus and Tutsis. - Military posts are to be shared equally between the two groups.