CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE _____________________________________________________________________ competition for access to water. Generally, the situation is one of increasingly difficult coexistence. Thus, each year, farmers and breeders compete for the occupation and exploitation of rural space, and this despite the adoption in 2002 of a law providing guidance regarding pastoralism in Burkina Faso. 150. In addition, land disputes increasingly see migrant farmers opposing indigenous farmers, particularly in connection with attempted land withdrawal. Conflicts may also erupt between villages or between indigenous families. In such cases, such conflicts are related to landownership claims or disputes regarding the boundaries of land. Finally, we should not forget the increasing tensions between, on the one hand, grass-roots communities and, on the other, the state regarding areas classified as forest areas or developed agricultural land. The CRM notes that, in fact, the aspect of greatest concern lies less in the conflicts themselves than in the relative inefficiency of the mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. 151. Labour conflicts. Although, like many African countries, Burkina Faso is experiencing labour disputes that manifest themselves in strikes in the public sector, the policy of dialogue initiated by the authorities has helped to establish a permanent framework of consultation that enables the two sides to exchange views on labour concerns. These meetings are attended by trade unions and independent unions in Burkina Faso, and are often chaired by the prime minister, assisted by members of the government. The CRM noted that these meetings (between the government and trade unions) have become a tradition and are part of a political will of the government and social partners to maintain dialogue through permanent consultation frameworks – which provide opportunities for dialogue and direct negotiations – in mutual respect of viewpoints. The CRM welcomes this initiative aimed at preventing conflicts. However, it noted, after its meetings with stakeholders, a degree of repression of the right to strike as evidenced by measures taken to transfer some civil servants who exercised this right. In addition, meetings with trade unions highlighted the legal and regulatory obstacles to the effective exercise of the right to strike in Burkina Faso. 152. Civil, political and religious conflicts, etc. The CRM noted with satisfaction that, in fact, there are no major political conflicts in Burkina Faso, but rather cases of social tension – something also stressed by the CSAR. The results of the recent presidential elections have not been contested. Moreover, where conflicts did arise regarding electoral matters, they related more to the matter of fraud during legislative and local elections. In addition, meetings with stakeholders revealed that leadership conflicts may also exist between supporters of religious authorities, or between political leaders and party activists. It should be noted, however, that the political conflict that most stirs the political class in Burkina Faso relates to the dispute concerning the post of leader of the opposition, which is claimed simultaneously by the heads of two groups – including one that again joined the presidential movement. The CRM noted that this issue, which is partly blocking the implementation of the provisions of the law on the status of the opposition, will be discussed by Parliament at its next session. Moreover, many demonstrations against the 89