CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE _____________________________________________________________________ C HAP TE R THR E E 3. DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE 3.1 Introduction 120. The CRM was carried out in the wake of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of democratic renaissance in Burkina Faso. This event in itself was a milestone in the post-independence course of a country that has a highly tormented political history. Indeed, after a constitutional cycle marked by coups, emergency regimes and experimentation with the most original forms of government, the country has, for the first time since its independence, experienced political and institutional stability over a period of two decades, under the seal of constitutional, pluralistic and liberal democracy. 121. In other words, Burkina Faso is at a particular moment in its history and it is important, therefore, to define the stakes and challenges facing the country from the viewpoint of political governance and democracy. To this end, the mission noted the significant progress made since the return to a constitutional regime as a result of the adoption of the constitution on 2 June 1991. 122. Among the first achievements that can be noted is the climate of peace and of political and institutional stability that characterise Burkina Faso. This stability has helped to ensure the achievement of real progress in the economic and social spheres. The climate of peace, in turn, makes Burkina Faso one of the few countries in the subregion of West Africa that has not experienced a situation of civil war or armed rebellion. In addition, the mission wishes to highlight, in particular, the much appreciated role of facilitator and peace actor played by the president of Burkina Faso in many African conflicts. 123. The mission also notes the constant emphasis on dialogue that characterises political and social governance, an emphasis that is reflected at the very highest level by the many forums held annually by the head of state with the youth and representatives of the rural areas. To this should be added the annual forums of the National Assembly with local representatives and the formal frameworks that exist to ensure dialogue between the government and the private sector, between the government and labour organisations, and between the government and TFPs. These institutionalised spaces for dialogue demonstrate the willingness to involve all social layers and make them contribute to nation building. 124. Freedom of the press and freedom of opinion in Burkina Faso are also gains that will be difficult to reverse. Such freedoms are reflected in the existence of print and audiovisual media that are among the most diversified and most vibrant in the subregion. The effectiveness of political pluralism and of 68