Campaigning kicked off Sunday in Burkina Faso ahead of a crucial November 29 national vote, which interim leader Michel Kafando said will be key to "consolidating democracy" weeks after a foiled coup hit the west African country.
The attempted overthrow was derailed within days by a popular uprising -- much as street protests toppled former strongman Blaise Compaore at the end of October 2014, angry at his bid to change the constitution in order to extend his 27-year rule.
"Despite all the adversities, vicissitudes and numerous obstacles, we are finally within reach of the goal... the final target... of building a freer, more democratic society," Kafando said, less than two months on from the September 17 coup bid by elite troops.
"What is essential today is for the election campaign to succeed and for a free, democratic and credible poll to be held," he said in a statement broadcast on public television on Saturday and Sunday.
"By doing so, we will ensure that true democracy is consolidated in Burkina Faso," added Kafando, who like other members of the interim government, will not be running for office.
In the most controversial decision ahead of the vote, the interim authorities have ruled that nobody who backed Compaore's bid to keep power can stand for elected office.
Whoever wins the presidential race, which will be held concurrently with a legislative poll on November 29, will be poised to re-establish democracy in the poor, coup-prone nation.
Campaigning kicked off Sunday in Burkina Faso ahead of a crucial November 29 national vote, which interim leader Michel Kafando said will be key to “consolidating democracy” weeks after a foiled coup hit the west African country.
The attempted overthrow was derailed within days by a popular uprising — much as street protests toppled former strongman Blaise Compaore at the end of October 2014, angry at his bid to change the constitution in order to extend his 27-year rule.
“Despite all the adversities, vicissitudes and numerous obstacles, we are finally within reach of the goal… the final target… of building a freer, more democratic society,” Kafando said, less than two months on from the September 17 coup bid by elite troops.
“What is essential today is for the election campaign to succeed and for a free, democratic and credible poll to be held,” he said in a statement broadcast on public television on Saturday and Sunday.
“By doing so, we will ensure that true democracy is consolidated in Burkina Faso,” added Kafando, who like other members of the interim government, will not be running for office.
In the most controversial decision ahead of the vote, the interim authorities have ruled that nobody who backed Compaore’s bid to keep power can stand for elected office.
Whoever wins the presidential race, which will be held concurrently with a legislative poll on November 29, will be poised to re-establish democracy in the poor, coup-prone nation.
