United States Concerned by Burkina Faso Electoral Code Changes

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Marie Harf

Acting Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

April 14, 2015

The United States is concerned by the National Transitional Council's April 7 passage of certain changes to Burkina Faso's electoral code that exclude candidates in the upcoming elections who had voiced support for a constitutional revision to amend presidential term limits in late 2014. The changes to the code would seem to be inconsistent with the democratic principles of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and free, fair, and peaceful elections. We urge the transitional government, civil society, and other actors who were instrumental in defending these democratic principles to use a coordinated, consensual, and inclusive approach in conducting the elections.