Suffrage is universal for citizens 18 years of age and above, and balloting is secret. National parliamentary elections are held every 5 years. Women are active in political life. The mayors of several major municipalities, including the capital, are women. Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights Human rights groups operate without government restriction.
Government officials are cooperative and responsive to their views.
The law prohibits racial, sexual, or social discrimination, and the Government enforces these provisions. Blatant societal discrimination occurs only rarely. Neither society nor the Government is tolerant of violence against women, and the Government prosecutes persons accused of such crimes. The Government funds organizations providing shelter, counseling, and hot lines. In 1997 women's shelters provided refuge to 342 women and 363 children.