BURUNDI: Male, female vice-presidents sworn in

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

BUJUMBURA, 30 Aug 2005 (IRIN) - Two vice-presidents, one of whom is a woman, were sworn on Monday in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, at a joint session of parliament.

First Vice-President Martin Nduwimana, a Tutsi from the Union pour le progress national party, was made in charge of political affairs. Second Vice-President Alice Nzomukunda, a Hutu from President Pierre Nkurunziza’s ruling party, the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Forces pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD), is to head social and economic affairs.

Under the terms of the new post-transition constitution, the president must choose a Tutsi for first vice-president and a Hutu for second vice-president.

Nkurunziza was inaugurated on Friday after his party won an overwhelming majority in local and legislative elections.

Upon being sworn in Nzomukunda, 39, said, "I will do my best to implement the CNDD-FDD programme."

Nzomukunda, an accountant by training, is the first woman in Burundi to hold the vice-presidency since independence in 1962. She had been a legislator in the last National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, representing the capital and was re-elected in the 4 July legislative elections.

Nduwimana, 47, is a medical doctor, and was also a member of parliament who represented the southern province of Bururi. He had previously been director of the Centre for Public Health.

[ENDS]