AFRICA - House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats

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transfer of power between political party coalitions. Voter participation exceeded 80
percent in these elections. International observers noted that the 1998 legislative
elections were free and transparent. Each of the three principal political parties has
significant representation in the unicameral National Assembly. Elections are by secret
ballot on the basis of universal suffrage for citizens 18 years of age or older.
In the 1998 legislative elections, the MLSTP won an outright majority with 31 out
of 55 seats and filled all 10 Cabinet positions.
The Constitution provides for the election of the President, who as Head of State
names the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister appoints members of the Government.
There are no restrictions in law or in practice on the participation of women in
politics; however, women are underrepresented in politics and government. Women
hold 4 of 55 seats in the National Assembly, 1 of 12 seats in the Cabinet, and 3
of 4 seats on the Supreme Court.
Section 4. Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation
of Alleged Violations of Human Rights
A small number of local human rights groups have formed since 1991 and operate
without restriction or governmental interference. There were no known requests by
international human rights groups to visit the country.
Section 5. Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Religion, Disability, Language, or Social
Status
The Constitution provides for the equality of all citizens regardless of sex, race,
racial origin, political tendency, creed, or philosophic conviction; however, the Government
has not sought actively to enforce these provisions.
Women.—While the extent of the problem is unknown, violence against women occurs,
and medical professionals and officials reported firsthand experience in dealing
with violence, including rape. They also reported that although women have the
right to legal recourse—including against spouses—many were reluctant to bring
legal action or were ignorant of their rights under the law. Traditional beliefs and
practices also inhibit women from taking domestic disputes outside the family.
While the Constitution stipulates that women and men have equal political, economic,
and social rights, and while many women have access to opportunities in
education, business, and government, in practice women still encounter significant
societal discrimination. Traditional beliefs concerning the division of labor between
men and women leave women with much of the hard work in agriculture, with most
child-rearing responsibilities, and with less access to education and to professions.
According to a 1991 study, female literacy is approximately 62 percent, while male
literacy is approximately 85 percent.
Children.—A number of government and donor-funded programs were established
to improve conditions for children, notably an ongoing malaria control project and
purchase of school and medical equipment. There has been improvement in maternity
and infant care, in nutrition, and in access to basic health services, especially
in urban areas. Mistreatment of children was not widespread; however, there were
few social protections for orphans and abandoned children.
Education is free and universal; there are no differences between the treatment
of girls and boys in regard to education. Education is compulsory through sixth
grade, irrespective of the age of the student.
People with Disabilities.—The law does not mandate access to buildings, transportation,
or services for persons with disabilities. There are no reports of discrimination
against the disabled.
Section 6. Worker Rights
a. The Right of Association.—The Constitution provides for freedom of association
and the right to strike. Few unions exist in the very small modern wage sector; however,
independent cooperatives have taken advantage of the government land distribution
program to attract workers and in many cases to improve production and
incomes significantly. Public sector employees still make up the great majority of
wage earners. Strikes are legal, including those by government employees and other
essential workers. There were frequent strikes during the year by civil servants
seeking an increase in the minimum wage, while the Government sought to reduce
expenses. However, in November the Government reached agreement with the strikers.
There are no laws or regulations that prohibit employers from retaliating
against strikers; however, there were no reports of retaliation.
No restrictions bar trade unions from joining federations or affiliating with international
bodies, but none have done so.
b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively.—The Constitution provides
that workers may organize and bargain collectively; however, due to its role as the
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