27 November 2013 – The Government of Burundi will put in place mechanisms of dialogue to enable all political partners contribute to the debate over the revision of the country’s Constitution, Burundian First Vice President Bernard Busokoza today told participants at a political meeting in Bujumbura.

« With respect the revision of the Constitution, the Government will set up mechanisms of dialogue and consultation so that all the political partners will give their contribution to this draft document before its adoption by the Parliament », Mr. Busokoza stated at the opening ceremony of a workshop aimed to assess the implementation of the Roadmap towards Burundi 2015 elections.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony was the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to Burundi who hailed the meeting as « another victory for Burundian democracy » as it occurs while « mistrust and lack of understanding on a number of key topics seemed to root themselves. »

Parfait Onanga-Anyanga also encouraged all political parties leaders to sensitize their supporters particularly youth leaders, for more responsibility and respect for others.

The 3-day meeting is organized by the Government of Burundi and the United Nations Office in Burundi (BNUB) and brings together all Burundian political parties and actors, the Electoral commission, Governors and political parties’ youth leaders. It seeks to assess the road map’s implementation and identify the challenges and opportunities for strengthening dialogue and a democratic culture in Burundi.

The Roadmap was adopted at the end of a workshop on « lessons learned from the 2010 elections and the prospects of the 2015 elections », held in March 2013 and organized by the Government and BNUB.

The Roadmap is a 42-points document focusing on four areas namely the country’ elections legal framework ; management and conduct of elections ; the National Electoral Commission ; and political environment.