CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE _____________________________________________________________________ issue of constitutional limitation of the presidential mandate to a maximum of two mandates seems like a controversial issue. Abolished and then reintroduced in the 1991 constitution at the end of two successive constitutional revisions, it is the subject of apprehensions and uncertainty in the political microcosm and in society as a whole. The current president of Faso has already exercised the supreme magistracy for 20 years, and the question as to whether he will hand over power or try to amend the constitution in order to perpetuate his power – like some of his peers – is the main political unknown in the coming years. The APR Panel observed that this issue deserves special attention and it sincerely hopes, from this point of view, that the solution retained will be based on a vast political consensus, taking into account the need to consolidate democracy, and the peace and stability of Faso. 180. The issue of the reliability of the voter lists also remains a strong cause of concern with regard to elections, especially in view of the absence of a transparent, computerised and secure electoral register. Many practical difficulties arise as a result of illiteracy, the lack of civil status and the problem of identifying a large number of potential voters. Only a minority of Burkina Faso nationals of voting age have been provided with national identity cards. Consequently, eight types of documents (including auxiliary documents and family record books) are accepted for the purpose of voter registration on electoral lists and voting. The fact that voter lists and other election materials are poorly maintained, with many identity mistakes; the possibility of multiple votes; and other anomalies often favour dysfunction, corruption and fraud, with the complicity of some authorities. It is necessary to update and computerise the civil registry; protect legal identity, the electoral register and voting cards; and strengthen the capacities of the departments of CENI. The CRM commends the commitment of the head of state to finding a solution to the problem as early as possible, notwithstanding the related financial constraints. 181. It is, however, worth acknowledging an achievement of the democratic process in Burkina Faso: the respect of the electoral calendar, thus testifying to the vivacity of a firm option for democracy. Indeed, the electoral process initiated in 1991 was relentlessly pursued with the organisation of three presidential elections in December 1991, November 1998 and November 2005. As for legislative elections, they were held in May 1992, May 1997, May 2002 and May 2007. 182. The principle of equal access of parties to the media, including public media, is ensured by the CSC. Each candidate has airtime to speak on an equitable basis, and stakeholders believe that equal access is guaranteed at election time. This feeling, however, is mixed outside election campaigns when there is no regulation in this regard. Hence the proposal – still to be approved by the CSC – to submit heavy media (public radio and television) specifications and assignments on the same basis as private media. 102