EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _____________________________________________________________________ well as the fact that it is a transit country and a commercial and cultural hub in the subregion, is an additional asset for Burkina Faso. 2.17 The ingenious management of natural land and underground resources, such as the control of water and energy, shows the importance of Burkinabe human capital. Through its work and expertise it has made its legal resources and labour force the driver of development. Finally, the visionary sense of its leadership deserves to be highlighted as the spearhead of the transformation required for the development of the emerging Burkina Faso of tomorrow. 3. DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE 3.1 Internal conflicts. The CRM noted the recurrent nature of conflicts in rural areas between farmers on one hand, and between farmers and cattle breeders on the other. It also noted the existence of political conflicts, labour-related conflicts, and conflicts between civilians and soldiers. In that regard, the mission noticed the absence of a national strategy for preventing, managing and resolving conflict. The CRM also noted a strong potential for conflict because of the political majority. This overwhelming majority leaves little room for an opposition. This situation may result in dysfunctional governance when political alliances are more motivated by possible promotion to higher posts than by a concern for the general good. 3.2 Constitutional democracy. The supremacy of the constitution is affirmed in the constitution itself. However, the CRM noted significant problems with regard to respect for the authority of the law. 3.3 Decentralisation. Meetings in the field showed that the people strongly support the ongoing decentralisation process. The stakeholders have, however, emphasised particular weaknesses in: the transfer of resources and skills; political nomadism (which destabilised communal councils); illiteracy; the lack of instruction criteria levels for access to the position of mayor; lack of a framework for dialogue and consultation between centralised authorities and decentralised structures; and confusion between the skills of appointed prefects and those of the mayors elected to head the same entities. 3.4 With regard to participation, stakeholders commended the existence of CENI, the respect for the electoral calendar and the option of a single ballot. However, several difficulties about institutional and legal frameworks were noted. With regard to the legal framework, the participants unanimously called for the review of the Charter of Political Parties and the electoral code in order to improve the conditions for creating political parties, notably by providing for greater representativeness and inclusiveness at the onset. During these meetings, the CRM noted that electoral fraud has been perpetrated by members of both opposition and majority parties. It also noted shortcomings in civil status, the electoral list, the identification of voters and distribution of voters’ cards, election materials, the funding of political parties, a shortage of opposition representatives at many polling stations, and others. In addition, the 8