236. Other key principles of the GPA have been embodied in the Constitution and laws passed since entering into the peace accord. The Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights characteristic of democratic governance, such as the freedom of association and assembly, freedom of the press, and recognition of political parties as voluntary associations of citizens formed to ensure expression of the political will of the people. The electoral law of 1994 follows the GPA in guaranteeing multiparty competition for political power and provides for an independent electoral management body, the CNE, to direct the process. Challenges to the Consolidation of Peace 237. All Mozambicans across the various regions, irrespective of their station in life, very much appreciate the benefits of being able to pursue their livelihoods and their economic, social and political aspirations without the threat or actual outbreak of war. Participants at all the validation workshops organised for the CRM not only confirmed the positive impact that peace has had on national development, but also expressed the hope that Mozambique would never fight another war. While it would be an exaggeration to say that the peace currently being enjoyed is taken for granted, there are clear indications that complacency has set in. Several participants at the workshops pronounced the prevailing peace irreversible even as, at the same time, significant numbers also hinted darkly that all is not well because of unresolved issues of reconciliation. Thus, the prevailing mood of optimism that a formula has been found to secure an enduring peace in Mozambique is dampened by increasingly clamant voices that the GPA is unravelling. 238. The CRM notes that the prevailing peace is threatened by weaknesses in the implementation of confidence-building aspects of the GPA; that is, by challenges to the consolidation of peace and to the protection and promotion of human security. 239. The trust which is the foundation of the peace constructed after painstaking negotiations lasting about two years seems to be gradually eroding. The CRM confirmed the CSAR’s observation that there are evident problems with the practice of inclusion and political pluralism, which lies at the heart of the GPA. While the GPA’s framework remains in place, having been given expression in the Constitution and state laws, inconclusive implementation of key aspects of the GPA and practices that deviate from its spirit and letters portend a gradual retreat from the compromises and concessions agreed to in 1992. 240. Among the major issues indicative of the challenges to integration and social inclusion are the following. 100 A P R M COU N T RY R EV IEW R EP ORT NO. 11

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