Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Art. 154: The number of seats in the National Assembly is set at one hundred twenty Deputies are elected on the basis of sixteen on the national list and hundred and eleven on provincial lists.
The distribution of seats on provincial lists is set
in the table annexed to this Code.The number of senators representing communities seats land is fixed at twenty-six.
Senators representing local authorities are elected indirect universal suffrage by the councilors in
regions to two per region.
Under penalty of nullity, the lists of candidates must include at least one candidate of either sex.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 154: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Existing provincial boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 155: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: Art. 156.1: For the national list system, the Electoral Commission independent national (CENI) determines the electoral quotient by dividing the number of votes cast in
riding by the number of deputies to be elected in the said constituency.It is attributed to each list as many parliamentary seats as number of votes the list contains both the quotient
electoral
Art. 156.2: For the provincial list of voting, the Election Commission independent provincial (CEPI) determines the electoral quotient, by dividing the number of votes cast in the
riding by the number of deputies to be elected in the said constituency.
It is attributed to each list as many parliamentary seats as number of votes the list contains both the quotient
electoral.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 156: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of Burkina Faso is elected by absolute majority. If this majority is not obtained on the first round, there shall be a second round 15 days later, where only the two candidates who have obtained the highest number of votes in the first round can participate.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 36, 37, 39: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012);
Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 132, 133: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President with the majority of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 46, 63: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 36 - 60: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Parliament is composed of the National Assembly and the Senate.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 78 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 156: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Electoral Code governs national elections.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 82: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012);
Electoral Code as amended in 2015: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 43 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: The electorate consists of all Burkinabe two
sexes, aged eighteen years of age on the date of the poll, enjoying of their civil and political rights, on the lists
election and not being in any case of disability in accordance with the law.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 42: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/02%2008%202012%20Code_%C3%A9lectoral-BF-2012.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2015/12/04
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Constitutional Court
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 152, 154: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012);
Verified: 2015/12/04
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2012, art. 3, 14: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission develops its own budget plan which is submitted to the Government for approval.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 14 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Court of Auditors
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 4 (2), 33 (6): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the Independent National Electoral Commission serve for a term of 5 years, renewable once.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 6: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/10/09
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 2, 4: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission is composed of 15 members.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 5: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf(2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members of the Independent National Electoral Commission must be of moral integrity and in full possession of their civil rights. In addition, they must be at least 35 and maximum 70 years old and they must not be affiliated to any political party.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 5, 11: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive d . Opposition h . Civil society
Comments: 5 members are selected by the political party that has the majority in the National Assembly, 5 members are selected by the opposition parties and 5 members represent civil society organisations (3 members represent religious communities, 1 traditional authorities and the remaining 1 member represents human rights associations).
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 5: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 14 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.bf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 14 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.bf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 14 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.bf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 42: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization e . Other
Comments: e) Full possession of civil and political rights.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2012, art. 11, 12: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/constitution-revisee-juin-2012.pdf (2012);
Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 42, 43: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI)
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 14 (1): http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 45: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: Any legally established political party willing to participate in elections can submit an application. The parties are not required to nominate candidates in all constituencies. No later than seventy days before the election, a deposit of 50,000 francs per list must be paid to the Treasury by each political party that has nominated candidates. In case the party list obtains at least 10% of the votes cast, this deposit is refunded within fifteen days after the proclamation of the final results.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 174, 175, 185: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence j . Other
Comments: Eligible candidates must be citizens of Burkina Faso, at least 21 years old and have fulfilled their military obligations. Naturalized citizens are eligible only if they have resided in the country more than 10 years.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 162 - 166: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 123, 157, 174: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Political parties are entitled to public funding to finance their electoral campaigns and to an annual grant outside the electoral period.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 69, 188: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015);
Verified: 2015/12/04
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2015/12/04
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There are no legal texts restricting private funding of political parties.
Source:
Verified: 2015/12/04
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2012, art. 94: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 188, 189: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 71: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 49, 147, 164, 169, 98, 161: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Agreements regarding the entrance of Burkina Faso in a confederation, federation or a union of African states are subject to approval by referendum.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 147, 164, 169: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdff (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 49: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The initiative of the revision of the Constitution belongs concurrently:
• to the President of Faso;
• to the members of the Parliament by the majority of each of the Chambers;
• to the people when a fraction of at least thirty thousand (30,000) persons having the right to vote, introduces before the National Assembly a petition constituting a proposal, written and signed.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 161: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 98: The people exercise the initiative of the laws by way of petition constituting a proposal, written and signed by at least fifteen thousand (15,000) persons having the right to vote under the conditions specified by the law.
The petition is deposited with the Bureau of the National Assembly.
The right of amendment belongs to the Deputies, to the Senators and to the Government whatever the origin of the text may be.
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 98, 161: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 49, 147, 164, 169, 98, 161: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 49, 147, 164, 169: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015, art. 49, 147, 164, 169: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution as amended in 2015: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/fr/bf/bf017fr.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Les articles 81 et 82 du code électoral autorisent les membres des bureaux de vote, les délégués du conseil constitutionnel, du conseil d'Etat et des tribunaux administratifs régurièrement inscrits sur nue électorale et dont les noms ne figurent pas au tableau complementaire, sont autorisés à voter dans les bureaux où ils siègent, sur présentation de leur carte d'électeur.
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 72, 81: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country g . Other
Comments: Le vote à l'extérieur n'est pas organisé.
Source: https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2011/burkina-faso
Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 265: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2012, art. 265: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Code as amended in 2015, art. 90: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
Verified: 2015/12/04
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