SAPONÉ - Brahima Sodré, a Master II student in sociology, recently defended her thesis on the socio-political determinants of the 2016 electoral violence in the rural commune of Saponé at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University.

According to Burkina Information Agency, her research was prompted by the disruptions observed during the May 2016 municipal elections in Burkina Faso, where electoral processes in 19 municipalities, including Saponé, were postponed. These delays were attributed to disputes over candidate legitimacy and residency requirements. Sodré's study highlighted that the municipal council of Saponé was dissolved twice due to electoral violence and conflicts over the formation of its executive body. Her thesis also examined the issues related to the organization of primaries and the selection of top candidates, which she found often involved undue influence from political party leaders.

The research, conducted between October 6 and 23, 2023, included interviews with former municipal councilors and key informants to delve into the election dynamics within Saponé. Sodré suggested that the legitimacy of candidates remains a critical issue across many municipalities, leading to internal conflicts within parties and communities. She advocated for a review of electoral laws to allow for direct suffrage in the election of mayors to mitigate such conflicts.

The defense was well-received, with the dissertation co-director, Dr. Paul-Marie Moyenga, noting the significance and contemporary relevance of Sodré's work. Dr. Moyenga emphasized the importance of Sodré's methodological approach to exploring the sociopolitical factors influencing electoral violence, particularly in the context of Saponé and similar communities affected by such issues.