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Djibouti

Boundary Delimitation

BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used

Source: Article 16, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:59:08 UTC

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable

Comments: Existing regional boundaries are used.
Source: Article 16, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:00:56 UTC

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
g. Not applicable

Comments: Existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Source: Article 16, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2006-11-29 11:00:56 UTC

Direct Democracy

DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr Chweya
b. Job Title: Resaerch Associate
c. Organisation: African Centre for Economic Growth (ACEG)
d. Contact Address. P.O Box 1559, 00600 Nairobi, Kenya
e. Telephone: +254 20 374 709/ 375 4540/ 0721 421 866.
f. Facsimile: +254 20 375 45 41
g. Email: aceg@aceg.org

Last updated: 2006-11-29 08:23:53 UTC

DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level? Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum

Comments: C:3 "The Republic of Djibouti shall comprise all persons whom it recognises as members and who accept its duties, without distinction of language, race, sex or religion. National sovereignty shall belong to the Djiboutian people, who shall exercise this sovereignty through its representatives and by way of referendum." C:87 "The President of the Republic and the deputies alike shall have the right to initiate the amendment of the Constitution. For it to be discussed, any parliamentary bill for amendment must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly. The government or parliamentary bill for amendment must receive the votes of the majority of members of the National Assembly, and shall become definitive only after approval by referendum, by simple majority of the votes cast. Nevertheless, the referendum procedure may be dispensed with at the decision of the President of the Republic; in this case, the government or parliamentary bill for amendment shall be approved only if it is accepted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the National Assembly."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 3, 33, 63, 77 and 87
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:12:17 UTC

DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional

Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 3, 33, 63, 77 and 87
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:01:26 UTC

DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional

Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 3, 33, 63, 77 and 87
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:12:17 UTC

DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 08:26:31 UTC

DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 08:26:31 UTC

DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-29 08:26:31 UTC

DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:25:40 UTC

DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission

Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 77
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:04:25 UTC

DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes

Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 77
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:04:25 UTC

DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments

Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 63
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:04:25 UTC

DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
f. Other (specify)

Comments: f) Deputies. C:87 "The President of the Republic and the deputies alike shall have the right to initiate the amendment of the Constitution. For it to be discussed, any parliamentary bill for amendment must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly. The government or parliamentary bill for amendment must receive the votes of the majority of members of the National Assembly, and shall become definitive only after approval by referendum, by simple majority of the votes cast. Nevertheless, the referendum procedure may be dispensed with at the decision of the President of the Republic; in this case, the government or parliamentary bill for amendment shall be approved only if it is accepted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the National Assembly."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, article 87
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:12:17 UTC

DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)

Comments: C:87 "The President of the Republic and the deputies alike shall have the right to initiate the amendment of the Constitution. For it to be discussed, any parliamentary bill for amendment must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly. The government or parliamentary bill for amendment must receive the votes of the majority of members of the National Assembly, and shall become definitive only after approval by referendum, by simple majority of the votes cast. Nevertheless, the referendum procedure may be dispensed with at the decision of the President of the Republic; in this case, the government or parliamentary bill for amendment shall be approved only if it is accepted by a two-thirds majority of the members of the National Assembly."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Djibouti, art. 87
Last updated: 2006-11-29 09:12:17 UTC

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Ministère de l'Intérieur et de la Décentralisation
f. Website Address http://www.elec.dj/
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections French

Comments: Both the Ministry of Interior and the Independent National Electoral Commission manages elections. The Constitutional Council sees to the legality of all elections and referenda, proclaims the results, and responds to and rules on legal complaints.
Last updated: 2007-01-29 10:23:55 UTC

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level

Comments: a) Including referendums. For regional elections a specific regional Independent Regional Electoral Commission is set up.
Source: Décret n°2002-0198/PR/MID, Décret n°2005-0189/PR/MID
Last updated: 2007-01-29 10:23:55 UTC

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
a. For the election period only

Comments: This applies to the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). The 1992 Electoral Law assigns that task to a CENI constituted prior to each election, whose 92 members comprise government representatives, including members from the National Assembly, as well as civil society and political party representatives. By law, the CENI is constituted 45 days before the elections and is dissolved 15 days thereafter. CENI is tasked with the responsibility of the development of the electoral list, voter identity cards, and polling day procedures.
Source: Pre-election observation in the run-up to the presidential elections of 2005, by IFES and IRI; http://pdf.dec.org/pdf_docs/PNADC712.pdf
Last updated: 2007-01-29 10:23:55 UTC

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-29 09:25:01 UTC

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?

Last updated: 2007-01-29 09:25:01 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?

Last updated: 2007-01-29 09:25:01 UTC

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Last updated: 2007-01-29 09:25:01 UTC

Electoral Systems

ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)

Source: Article 27 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:13:25 UTC

ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed

Source: Article 41 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:19:26 UTC

ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes

Source: Article 20 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:20:21 UTC

ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber

Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:24:04 UTC

ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
c. Block Vote

Source: http://www.idea.int/vt/country-view.cfm?countrycode=Dj
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:26:15 UTC

ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
h. Not applicable

Comments: The electoral system in chamber one is block vote. List PR is not used.
Source: http://www.idea.int/vt/country-view.cfm?countrycode=Dj
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:19:40 UTC

ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
b. Specially delimited constituencies

Source: Electoral code Article 39
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:32:05 UTC

ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable

Comments: There is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:33:36 UTC

ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-03-22 08:35:27 UTC

ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable X

Comments: there is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:21:41 UTC

ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable

Comments: there is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:20:08 UTC

ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable

Comments: There is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:17:56 UTC

ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable

Comments: There is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:15:59 UTC

ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day

Last updated: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 12:06:07 GMT

ES21 Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
c. Not applicable

Comments: There is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:14:24 UTC

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation

Source: article 26 and 48 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:24:23 UTC

LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
b. January 1990- December 1999

Source: Djibouti Bulletin No. 2, May 2001, ACCPUF
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:27:28 UTC

LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums

Source: Referendum proclamation no. 22/1992
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:28:40 UTC

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary

Source: International IDEA Voter Turnout Website (http://www.idea.int/vt/)
Last updated: 2006-11-21 18:25:35 UTC

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary

Source: Article 27 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:29:11 UTC

LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
a. President
c. Judiciary
d. Legislature

Source: Article 76 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:26:26 UTC

LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties

Source: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27724.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:11:45 UTC

LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
b. Constitutional (or similar) Court

Source: Article 48 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:23:40 UTC

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Dr. Ludeki Chweya
b. Job Title: Research Associate
c. Organisation: African Centre for Economic Growth-ACEG
d. Contact Address: p.o. box 1559, 00600 Nairobi
e. Telephone: +254 20 374 709/ 375 4540/ 0721 421 866.
f. Facsimile: + 254 20 375 45 41
g. Email: aceg@aceg.org

Last updated: 2005-05-07 09:02:29 UTC

ME02 Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned

Source: http://www.ifjafrique.org/english/fijenligne/040803_2.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-09 13:13:17 UTC

ME03 Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned

Source: http://www.ifjafrique.org/english/fijenligne/040803_2.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-09 13:15:00 UTC

ME04 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: http://www.ifjafrique.org/english/fijenligne/040803_2.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-09 13:16:15 UTC

ME05 Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
a. Government newspaper holds a monopoly

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:19:29 UTC

ME06 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
b. 30% to 60%

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:20:34 UTC

ME08 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
c. Less than 30%

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1070579.stm
Last updated: 2005-05-07 09:18:06 UTC

ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
a. Public radio

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1070579.stm
Last updated: 2005-05-07 09:18:54 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a

Comments: The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press; however, the Government restricted these rights in practice. The law prohibits the dissemination of false information and regulates the publication of newspapers. The Constitution prohibits slander.
Source: http://www.nationbynation.com/Djibouti/Human.html
Last updated: 2005-05-07 09:26:57 UTC

ME14 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
c. Less than 30%

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:29:46 UTC

ME15 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
c. Less than 30%

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:31:31 UTC

ME16 In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
c. Private radio
f. Private television
g. Print media

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:33:48 UTC

ME17 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
b. Private radio
d. Private television

Comments: To escape the extremely partisan national press, the local population and foreign residents have no other choice but to turn to the international radio stations with FM relays in Djibouti such as the BBC, Radio France Internationale (RFI) and, since December 2002, the Voice of America (VOA).
Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:36:25 UTC

ME20 Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. Government

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:43:00 UTC

ME21 Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
e. Government departments

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 09:44:41 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a

Comments: a) press proclamation 34/1992 b) article 8 (secret information)
Source: committee to protect Journalists country report( 1998)
Last updated: 2005-04-05 07:56:39 UTC

ME23 Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
a. Yes

Source: http://www.ifjafrique.org/english/fijenligne/040803_2.htm
Last updated: 2005-05-09 13:10:43 UTC

ME25 Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
c. Government

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:28:48 UTC

ME26 What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
a. Placing limits on what the media may report about an election

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:29:47 UTC

ME27 Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
b. No

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:38:34 UTC

ME28 What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
a. Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction
b. Administrative penalty

Source: http://www.cpj.org/attacks00/africa00/Djibouti.html
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:46:47 UTC

ME29 Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
b. No

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:48:11 UTC

ME30 What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
a. Criminal prosecution
b. Administrative sanction

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:48:44 UTC

ME31 Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
b. No

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:49:04 UTC

ME33 Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
a. EMB

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:14:01 UTC

ME34 Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:14:36 UTC

ME35 Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:15:05 UTC

ME36 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:15:35 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:16:12 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:16:54 UTC

ME39 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:17:23 UTC

ME40 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:18:50 UTC

ME41 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:19:30 UTC

ME42 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:20:00 UTC

ME43 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:20:27 UTC

ME44 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:20:54 UTC

ME45 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:21:18 UTC

ME46 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
g. Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:21:53 UTC

ME47 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:22:29 UTC

ME48 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:22:53 UTC

ME49 Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:23:15 UTC

ME50 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate’s party

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:23:52 UTC

ME51 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:24:36 UTC

ME52 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:25:00 UTC

ME53 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:25:26 UTC

ME54 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate’s party
b. Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:25:58 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:26:38 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard x

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:27:08 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
b. The law does not specify any limits x

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:27:37 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
b. None x

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:28:03 UTC

ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
c. No

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:53:18 UTC

ME61 Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
g. None

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:55:31 UTC

ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
g. Not applicable

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=6411
Last updated: 2005-05-10 10:56:12 UTC

ME63 Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
f. Not applicable

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:04:00 UTC

ME64 If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
e. Not applicable

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:04:22 UTC

ME65 When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
c. After all polls close, after official results are available

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:05:07 UTC

ME66 Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
b. No

Comments: Tightly controlled.
Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:05:53 UTC

ME67 What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?
a. A media department
b. A press officer

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:07:13 UTC

ME68 Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
a. Yes

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:07:33 UTC

ME69 Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
a. Media packs/press kits
b. Press releases
c. Press conferences/briefings
d. Pre-recorded radio or TV slots
e. Web site

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:08:03 UTC

ME70 Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
a. Yes

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:08:25 UTC

ME71 Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:08:56 UTC

ME72 Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:09:25 UTC

ME73 Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:09:47 UTC

ME74 Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:10:15 UTC

ME75 Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:10:38 UTC

ME76 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
b. Government owned
c. Privately owned
d. Owned by political parties

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:11:00 UTC

ME77 What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
a. It consults the media about the usefulness of materials provided to them by the EMB.
b. It consults the media about the usefulness of the EMB’s website.

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:11:43 UTC

ME78 Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
a. Insufficient staff with responsibility for media relations

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:12:11 UTC

ME79 Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB’s ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
c. Not very effective

Source: Elections in Africa A Data Handbook.1999, Edited by Dieter Nohlen, Bernard Thibaut, and Michael Krennerich
Last updated: 2005-05-10 11:12:41 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
f. Other

Comments: b) deposit of D.Fr. 500,000 per candidate is required f) Lists of candidatures shall be transmitted to the Ministry of Interior at least 14 days before the start of the election campaign. It should include, i.a., a logotype of the party to be imprinted on the ballot.
Source: Article 33 and 34, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2007-01-10 14:16:20 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable

Comments: unicameral chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:48:29 UTC

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
i. Minimum level of literacy
j. Other

Comments: Eligibility: - Qualified electors - age: 23 years - Djibouti citizenship - ability to read, write and speak French or Arabic fluently Incompatibilities: - certain public or government officials - judges - members of the armed, police and security forces
Source: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2089_B.htm
Last updated: 2007-01-10 14:16:20 UTC

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable

Comments: there is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:42:39 UTC

PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other

Comments: excercising his political and civic rights
Source: Article 24 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:43:56 UTC

PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
f. Holding of military office
g. Holding of government office

Source: Article 47 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:44:25 UTC

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
b. In presidential elections

Comments: not in legislative elections
Source: electoral code article 32
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:45:32 UTC

PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable

Comments: independent candidates cannot compete in legislative elections
Source: electoral code article 32
Last updated: 2005-04-01 08:46:37 UTC

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect

Comments: c) Free media access and printing of posters.
Source: Article 59, 60, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:30:27 UTC

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance

Comments: a) All registered parties and candidates are entitled to indirect funding by the state.
Source: Article 59 and 60, Electoral law of 1992
Last updated: 2006-11-29 10:45:51 UTC

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes

Source: International IDEA Political Finance Database: http://www.idea.int/parties/finance/db/country_print.cfm?CountryCode=SC
Last updated: 2007-01-10 14:16:20 UTC

PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
j. Not applicable

Comments: No regulations on party funding have been put in place
Last updated: 2005-08-26 10:12:07 UTC

PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
c. Government department

Source: http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/ERC/democracy/1993_hrp_report/93hrp_report_africa/Djibouti.html
Last updated: 2005-08-26 10:03:22 UTC

Vote Counting

VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
f. Same ballot papers used nationwide
h. Party symbols in color
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official

Source: Decree n°97-0163/PR/MI relating to the mode of organization of elections due on friday 18 December 1997 article 5
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:32:27 UTC

VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable

Comments: There is only one chamber
Source: Article 45 of the constitution
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:25:26 UTC

VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials

Source: Electoral code Article 48 and 49
Last updated: 2005-08-26 09:55:10 UTC

VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations

Source: electoral code article 51
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:18:28 UTC

VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
l. Counted by hand

Source: electoral code article 51
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:21:07 UTC

VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
e. National level

Source: electoral code article 54
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:24:02 UTC

VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)

Comments: Members are elected from five multi-member constituencies, each of which holds between 4 and 37 seats based on population
Source: http://www.pogar.org/countries/elections.asp?cid=4
Last updated: 2005-08-26 09:48:29 UTC

VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
h. Other

Comments: It is not specified but by the fastest available mode
Source: electoral code article 54
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:29:38 UTC

VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
h. Other

Comments: a report- un proces verbal
Source: electoral code article 54
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:36:43 UTC

VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes

Source: electoral code article 54
Last updated: 2005-05-05 09:38:26 UTC

VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request

Source: Decree n°97-0163/PR/MI relating to the mode of organization of elections due on friday 18 December 1997 article 17
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:36:44 UTC

VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable

Source: Decree n°97-0163/PR/MI relating to the mode of organization of elections due on friday 18 December 1997 article 17
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:37:14 UTC

VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate

Source: http://flagspot.net/flags/dj.html
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:38:17 UTC

VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
d. National Government agency (specify)

Comments: Constitutional Council
Source: Decree n°97-0163/PR/MI relating to the mode of organization of elections due on friday 18 December 1997 article 17
Last updated: 2005-05-13 12:39:33 UTC