Since 2005, Burundi has set quotas to ensure that the country’s three ethnic groups (Hutu, Tutsi and Twa), as well as women, are represented in its parliament, central government and municipal administrations. Its constitution states that women should make up at least 30% of these institutions. The senate, Burundi’s highest chamber of parliament, recently started a process of evaluating ethnic quotas in political institutions. This process is expected to lead to recommendations on whether quotas should continue to be used. Researchers with a focus on gender representation in politics, believe this is a missed opportunity. Gender and ethnic quotas have been adopted in Burundi as a forward-looking solution to sustainable peace. A decision about removing them should be based on whether they have met (or can meet) their goals.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION