Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2002/2004
U. House 2002/2004

Head of state: President Domitien Ndayizeye

AT THE LAST ELECTION

After a series of coups, the imposition of a one-party state in 1981, and widespread ethnic violence, Burundi adopted a multiparty system in 1992 under Tutsi coup leader Pierre Buyoya. The first Hutu president, Melchior Ndadaye of Frodebu, was assassinated in 1993 within months of his election, provoking further ethnic massacres. In 1994 Burundi plunged into a vicious civil war between the Tutsi-dominated army and Hutu militias. Buyoya staged another coup in 1996, agreeing to a transitional constitution in 1998. In 2001 a joint Hutu–Tutsi transitional government was installed amid ongoing conflict. Buyoya handed over to his Hutu deputy Domitien Ndayizeye in April 2003. Though fighting continued, a tentative cease-fire was signed in October.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004