1957 Burundian parliamentary election explained

Indirect parliamentary elections were held in Burundi in 1957.

Background

The Decree of 14 July 1952 by the Belgian authorities introduced an element of democracy to the Burundian political system. A complicated electoral system was created, which involved seven stages of elections to eventually elect the National Superior Council (French: Superieur du Pays).[1]

The elections began in the sub-chiefdoms, then were held in the chiefdoms, then the territories, and finally at the national level.[2]

Results

The elections in the sub-chiefdoms in 1956, with the elections to the Chiefdom Councils, Territorial Councils and the Superior Council following in 1957.[3] The number of Tutsis elected to all bodies increased, whilst the number of elected Hutus decreased in comparison with the 1954 elections.[3]

CouncilMembers
HutusTutsisTotal
ElectedUnelectedElectedUnelected
Sub-chiefdom councils2,24001,1345303,904
Chiefdom councils66019224282
Territorial councils120562492
Superior Council022931
align=left colspan=6Source: Sternberger et al.

Notes and References

  1. [Dolf Sternberger]
  2. Sternberger et al, p599
  3. Sternberger et al, p600