28 Aug 2018 | 12:44 AM UTC
Burkina Faso: Constitutional referendum scheduled March 2019
Constitutional referendum on presidential term limits, among other things, to be held in March 2019; associated demonstrations possible in coming months
Event
On Sunday, August 26, the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that the country's upcoming constitutional referendum on presidential term limits will be held on March 24, 2019. The referendum will decide whether to amend the constitution, limiting presidential terms to two consecutive terms (ten years in total), as well as whether to add guarantees recognizing additional rights, including access to clean water, housing, and the right to civil disobedience. Political demonstrations are possible in advance of the upcoming constitutional referendum.
Advice
Individuals present in Burkina Faso are advised to avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public spaces and to avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations. Be extremely vigilant in areas deemed more likely to be targeted in the event of a terrorist attack, namely crowded locations including churches, markets, cafés, and bus stations.
